The heatwave sweeping across several districts of West Bengal claimed at least three lives on Monday, as the mercury touched 45 degree mark in Burdwan and Bankura.
The deaths were reported from Purulia, Bankura and Howrah districts.
According to reports, a farmer collapsed while working at Baghmundi, 75 km from Purulia town, and one each person died in Howrah and Bankura towns after suffering heatstroke.
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School timings in Purulia town have been changed and classes are being held from 6:00 am and 10.30 am in view of the heatwave.
Roads, by and large, wore a deserted look after 11:00 am as people kept themselves indoors with the mercury soaring to 44.8 degrees in the district.
An average daily blackout of around eight hours have added to the woes of the citizens, who set up road blocks in protest.
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Normal life was also hit in adjacent Bankura district as temperature rose to 45 degree Celsius. Several areas witnessed average power cuts of 11 hours, and acute drinking water scarcity.
The coal belt of Asansol and Kulti in Burdwan district continued to be extremely hot with the maximum temperature settling at around 45 degree Celsius.