Telangana is reeling under an intense heatwave, with soaring temperatures and dry winds pushing several districts into crisis mode. At least 22 people reportedly died from suspected heatstroke-related
conditions across the state in a single day on Thursday.
The worst-hit region was the undivided Warangal district, where nine deaths were reported, highlighting the severity of the ongoing heatwave.
Temperatures Cross 46°C In 20 Districts
According to an Eenadu report, Telangana witnessed an unprecedented spike in temperatures, with more than 20 districts recording temperatures above 46°C on the same day for the first time in the state’s history.
The highest temperature of 46.5°C was recorded in Mutharam in Peddapalli district and Munagala mandal in Suryapet district. Chunchupalli in Bhadradri Kothagudem and Kamalapur in Hanamkonda also recorded a scorching 46.4°C.
Residents say stepping outdoors has become unbearable even by 9 am. Daily wage labourers, truck passengers, outdoor workers and elderly people are among the most vulnerable as hot, dry winds continue sweeping across the state.
Nine Deaths Reported In Warangal Region
Of the 22 deaths reported state-wide, nine occurred in the undivided Warangal region. In Mahabubabad district, 89-year-old Kesa Lachamma died in Bayyaram, while 54-year-old woman farmer Gugulothu Amrutha collapsed while working in the fields in Nellikuduru. Another 95-year-old Gade Komuramma reportedly died after being unable to withstand the extreme heat inside a tin-roof shed in Kesamudram.
In Hanamkonda and Kazipet, a 25-year-old construction worker, Gannoju Anil, and 60-year-old tractor driver Dudapaka Pochayya reportedly died after suffering fever and vomiting linked to heat exposure.
In Mulugu and Bhupalpally districts, several more deaths were reported. Madari Lakshmi, aged 85, died in Eturnagaram, while an unidentified woman around 55 years old collapsed near the temporary bus stand in Mulugu and later died in hospital. In Mogullapalli, daily wage worker Nampalli Sakkamma died while returning home from work, and in Regonda, employment guarantee scheme worker Yakub Pasha reportedly succumbed to heatstroke.
Other Districts Also Report Fatalities
The heatwave has affected multiple districts beyond Warangal. In Suryapet district, 17-year-old intermediate student Bommidi Venkatesh and 65-year-old hamali worker Somayya reportedly collapsed due to the extreme heat. Deaths linked to heat-related illnesses were also reported from Mancherial, Nalgonda, Yadadri, Jogulamba Gadwal, Medak, Jagtial, Ramagundam, Karimnagar and Khammam districts.
Doctors say the sharp drop in humidity combined with intense dry heat is increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially among outdoor workers and the elderly.
Red Alert Issued Across Several Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several Telangana districts over the next two days.
Weather officials said hot and dry winds blowing from desert regions of Rajasthan and Maharashtra are intensifying heatwave conditions across the state. Temperatures between 45°C and 47°C are likely in districts including Adilabad, Asifabad, Mancherial, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet and Mahabubabad on Friday and Saturday.
Authorities have urged people to avoid stepping outdoors between 11 am and 4 pm unless absolutely necessary. The government has also advised residents to stay hydrated and consume enough water, ORS and buttermilk to prevent heat-related illnesses.
