A red alert has been issued in two Indian states, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with the number of deaths rising to more than 750 due to heat waves.

According to officials, a total of 551 people died in Andra Pradesh, while the rest were in  Telangana with 125 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

Most districts in both states continue to record temperature of above 46 degree Celsius and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates the current whether to continue for the next few days.

Authorities in both states have urged the public, especially labourers, not to work in open areas between 11am to 4pm.

“The majority of the victims are people who have been exposed to the sun directly, usually aged 50 and above and from the working classes,” special commissioner of Andhra Pradesh’s disaster management department P Tulsi Raniby was quoted as saying by the NDTV channel.

“We are asking them to take precautions like using an umbrella, using a cap, taking a huge quantity of liquids like water and buttermilk, and wearing cotton clothing,” she said.

YK Reddy of IMD told the news channel most parts of Telangana had experience the hottest weather in decades in the last few days.

The weather officer said north-westerly dry and hot winds were responsible for the heat wave, made worse by clear skies in the region.

“But the direction is now changing, so there could be some respite in a couple of days,” said Reddy.

Meanwhile, in Delhi, the hottest temperature of 45.6 Celsius was recorded yesterday, leading to fewer people being seen on major roads.

In some parts of the city and surrounding areas, which are populated with more than 20 million residents, water shortages and temporary power failures are already being experienced.

- Bernama