Andhra Pradesh was roiled by a surge of temperatures across the state, with the death toll climbing dramatically on Friday. The State Disaster Management Department confirmed that 24 deaths occurred due to heat-related factors on Friday alone, adding up to 80 since May 18. Prakasam has been the most affected district with 40 deaths this week.
Reflecting the severity of the situation, Vijayawada recorded a most dramatic increase in temperature readings at the Gannavaram airport from 44.5 degrees C on Thursday to 47.2 degrees C on Friday, an increase of 2.7 degrees.
The heat wave conditions prevailing in the state and the resultant death toll did not come up for discussion at the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet meeting held in Hyderabad on Friday.