Heat wave paralyses normal life in Karimnagar, six die

Severe heat wave conditions have disrupted normal life across the undivided Karimnagar district, with temperatures crossing 46 degree C in several places. Six persons reportedly died amid the extreme weather, while trade unions sought revised work timings in Singareni mining areas.

Karimnagar: The severe heat wave conditions have paralysed normal life across the entire undivided Karimnagar district, with people forced to remain indoors after 10 a.m. as temperatures have crossed 46 degree C in many places. The highest temperature of 46.4 degree C was recorded in Choppadandi of Karimnagar district and Odela of Peddapalli district on Wednesday.

Farmers, labourers and hamalis are facing severe problems as temperatures of 46.3 degree C were recorded in several places in Peddapalli district.

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Unable to cope with the heat wave, six persons, including a farmer from Narsingapur of Dharmaram mandal, Sama Lachi Reddy (58), NREGS labourer Gumpula Sripathi Laxmi (60), Kanukunta Kanakaiah (77) from Kothapalli of Peddapalli mandal, physically challenged person from Huzurabad Gajarla Sathish (45), farmer Lachaiah (58) from Vattimalla of Konaraopet mandal and Raji Reddy (60) from Arepalli of Vemulawada mandal, died.

Compared to other areas, temperatures in Singareni coal mine areas, especially opencast mines, are usually higher. Hence, trade unions are urging the SCCL management to change shift timings. They want the management to continue the morning shift from 6 a.m. to 12 noon and the afternoon shift from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.