Mon Apr 28 18:31:07 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Battles Devastating Heatwave: Hospitals Overflowing, Economy Stressed
**Hyderabad, April 29, 2025** – Telangana is grappling with a severe heatwave pushing the state’s infrastructure and economy to the brink. While sunstroke cases are immediately apparent, a deeper crisis is unfolding, as warned by the Telangana Heatwave Action Plan 2025.
The plan highlights a surge in heat-related illnesses, exacerbating existing chronic conditions and overwhelming emergency services. Although only 10 heatwave-related deaths were reported in 2024, the actual toll is far higher, with widespread dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke cases straining hospitals. The elderly, infants, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable.
Hospitals are facing a sharp increase in emergency admissions, creating a critical shortage of ORS packets, IV fluids, and essential medicines. The Health Department is responding by improving early detection and treatment, training medical staff, establishing dedicated heatstroke beds, deploying mobile health units, and activating outreach clinics in high-risk areas. Six mandals are severely affected, with another 106 in critical condition, primarily in districts like Adilabad, Nirmal, Jagtial, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, and Warangal, which have experienced 21 to 40 heatwave days annually from 2014 to 2023.
The heatwave’s impact extends beyond health, significantly affecting agriculture, outdoor labor, and the economy. Reduced working hours for outdoor workers lead to decreased productivity. In rural areas, children are forced to miss school to work, exacerbating poverty and marginalizing vulnerable communities. The disruption of Anganwadi centers further compromises essential nutrition services for vulnerable populations.
The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate the effects of extreme heat and protect Telangana’s population and economy.
First Piper 