Telangana Announces Rs 4 Lakh Ex-Gratia For Families Of Heatwave Victims

With heatwave conditions intensifying across Telangana under the impact of a severe El Niño pattern, the state government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the families of those who died due to sunstroke.

State Revenue and Information Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy reviewed the situation at an emergency meeting with senior officials at the Secretariat on Saturday following reports of rising heat-related fatalities across the state.

Acting on the directions of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy , the minister instructed officials to immediately process compensation for the affected families and ensure that relief measures reach them without delay.

According to official reports submitted by district collectors, 16 people have died due to heatstroke in seven districts so far. The highest number of deaths was reported from Jayashankar Bhupalpally district with four fatalities, while Warangal Urban , Karimnagar , and Nizamabad recorded three deaths each. One death each was reported from Jogulamba Gadwal , Ranga Reddy , and Suryapet districts.

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that heatwave conditions are likely to intensify further over the next three days, the minister directed the administration to remain on constant alert.

Officials have been asked to identify villages and mandals recording extreme temperatures and issue hourly public advisories through media and social media platforms. The government also instructed local authorities to arrange cold drinking water , buttermilk , and ORS packets at bus stations, markets, and other crowded public areas.

Special measures were also ordered for the welfare of animals and birds, including the installation of water troughs and earthen pots in villages and urban areas.

Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy appealed to senior citizens, pregnant women, children, and people suffering from illnesses to avoid stepping outdoors between 11 am and 4 pm unless absolutely necessary.

He also called for additional precautions for agricultural labourers and construction workers who remain exposed to harsh weather conditions during working hours.

District collectors have been directed to personally monitor the situation and ensure emergency medical services are prepared to provide immediate treatment in suspected heatstroke cases.

According to the latest weather assessment, severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue until May 26 in districts including Karimnagar , Peddapalli , Jayashankar Bhupalpally , Mulugu , Khammam , Nalgonda , Suryapet , Mahabubnagar , Hyderabad , and Ranga Reddy . The minister urged district administrations in these regions to maintain heightened vigilance.