International

At Least 16 Dead as Severe Heatwave Grips India’s Telangana State

KathmanduPati May 24, 2026

KATHMANDU – At least 16 people have died due to a severe heatwave in India across the state of Telangana.

State Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy announced that the state government has decided to provide financial relief of INR 400,000 to the families of the deceased.

The announcement followed an emergency review meeting held by Minister Reddy with top officials to evaluate the situation. Speaking to reporters after the session, he stated that based on official district reports, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district recorded the highest number of fatalities with four deaths.

The tragedy highlights India’s escalating struggle with the “Loo”, a blistering, dry summer wind originating from western desert regions that triggers severe heatwaves across the northern and central plains every year. Public health data indicates that these seasonal extremes claim an average of 1,116 deaths annually in India, though medical experts warn the actual toll is likely much higher as many heatstroke fatalities in rural areas go unrecorded.