Telangana is grappling with a severe heat crisis,as rising temperatures and suspected heatstroke deaths underscore the human cost of extreme weather. The state has recorded temperatures exceeding 46°C,with the district of Bhadradri Kothagudem reaching a staggering 46.3°C, making it the hottest area in Telangana. Amid these conditions,daily wage labourers,street vendors,and others working outdoors face increasing health risks.
On recent afternoon, 45-year-old Kandi Venkanna collapsed at construction site in Bhadrachalam. He was rushed to the Government Area Hospital, but despite immediate medical attention,he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His case is part of a troubling trend; the state has reported 19 suspected heatstroke deaths this summer, although only one has been confirmed. Officials are cautious,stating that each case must undergo thorough medical verification before being classified as heatstroke-related .
Doctors are observing rise in symptoms like dizziness and exhaustion among outdoor workers. In Hyderabad, where heat is relentless,street vendors like 52-year-old Mohammed Kareem endure long hours under sun. He notes that dizziness and headaches have become routine, yet leaving work early is not an option for many. “It often feels like fire is raining from the skies . But if we don’t sit here, how will we earn?” he said.
Data from District Medical and Health Officers (DMHOs) suggests that the actual number of heat-related fatalities may be much higher than reported. For instance, Adilabad district has nine suspected heatstroke deaths pending confirmation,while neighbouring districts report similar cases. The verification process is lengthy,often taking weeks due to the need for forensic analysis .
Hyderabad has not yet reported any confirmed heatstroke deaths,attributed to comparatively lower temperatures than other districts. However, officials are concerned about the accuracy of reporting,especially after the state announced a ₹4 lakh ex-gratia payment for families of confirmed victims. This has led to an influx of claims, complicating the verification process.
To classify a death as heatstroke-related, specific criteria must be met,including a core body temperature of at least 40.5°C and evidence of exposure to extreme heat. Many patients arrive at hospitals after attempts to cool themselves,which can lower body temperatures and complicate diagnoses. As a result, many cases are initially categorized as suspected heatstroke deaths .
In response to the escalating crisis, the Telangana State Heatwave Action Plan 2026 was introduced, highlighting heatwaves as a significant public health threat. The report indicates that only 24 of state’s 612 mandals are relatively safe from heatwave conditions, leaving the majority vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat .
As Telangana endures one of its harshest summers,the combination of rising temperatures and inadequate reporting mechanisms raises serious concerns about public health and worker safety. The state’s efforts to mitigate heat-related risks will be crucial in addressing the ongoing crisis.
