With rising mercury levels in Chittoor district, crossing 45 degrees Celsius many parts, has resulted in the total deaths of 121 so far in April. On Tuesday alone, the death count stood at 16.
Going by the figures of the death toll, majority of the victims were in the age group of 50 to 75 years.
The day temperatures are steadily increasing in the eastern mandals, while the western areas, which are generally known for its considerably lower temperatures witnessed over 40°C. This phenomenon in Madanapalle division is considered first of its kind in history, that too in April.
Public movement has come to a standstill in many areas, showing deserted villages in the rural side, and streets in urban areas.
Almost all the community health centres, sub-centres attached to them, and private hospitals are overflowing with the sunstroke victims round-the-clock.
The gravity of the situation is much in Puttur, Nagari, Nagalapauram, Satyavedu and Varadaiahpalem mandals which hold substantial population of daily wagers, working in the fields and road construction sites.
The MGNREGS workers are seen finishing their works by 11a.m.
District administration has instructed the mandal officials to set up ‘chalivendrams’ (water facility with earthen pots in public places such as bus stations) at all busy locations with movement of public. District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) K. Koteswari said that the ORS packets were kept ready in all health centres, in addition to fluids.
Ambulance services are also instructed to be on alert round-the-clock, in case of emergency requiring shifting of sunstroke patients from cluster hospitals to referral hospitals in Tirupati, Madanapalle, and Chittoor.
Almost all community health centres, hospitals overflowing with sunstroke victims
