On March 17, exactly a month ago, Kolgur Ashok (40) fell ill and was admitted to a local hospital where he breathed his last. He was a resident of Konapur village in Ramayampet mandal of Medak district.
“Ashok went to Kopula Pani and fell ill. He was admitted to hospital, but he died in no time,” said K. Bhikshapati, Sarpanch of the village, recalling the incident that took place in the village. This was the first heat wave death reported in Medak district. Since then, heat wave-related deaths have continued unabated and as many as 23 deaths have been reported in the district, the last one being the death of one Yerra Laksmaiah, reported from Boranch in Manoor mandal. Though there are many heat wave deaths reported from across the district, the officials have confirmed only a few. Not just the aged, youngsters are also facing the impact of the heat wave as on April 14, a 23-year-old youth, Vadla Raju, died of sun stroke.
Meanwhile, with the rising temperature, the cost of air coolers has also gone up with traders not letting this chance slip through their fingers. Small air coolers that normally cost Rs. 2,500 are sold at Rs. 4,000 or more. As people have limited choice when it comes to keeping themselves cool, they are buying air coolers at exorbitant price.
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The residents of Gajwel, Siddipet, Chegunta and Mirdoddi felt relieved for a brief period when it rained for about 10 minutes in these areas. At Jagadevpur, some trees were brought down by gales.