JINHA

NEWS CENTER – The heat wave in India has claimed over 1,100 people's lives in just two weeks. Most of those who have died are the homeless, elderly and workers.

As roads melt in the nearly 50°C temperatures, the heat wave has turned into a massacre. Authorities have said that most of the victims have been construction workers forced to work despite the heat, elderly people and the homeless. The meteorological department has issued warnings against going outside in Odisha, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh. Many cities recorded their highest temperatures ever in the heatwave.

According to TIME magazine, the local government in Andhra Pradesh has responded with public education programs urging people to drink water and avoid going outside between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4 p.m. They are also encouraging NGOs to set up drinking water stations. Families of victims will receive $570 in compensation funds, according to Andhra Pradesh President Chandrababu Naidu.

It is unknown how long the massacre of India's poorest and most vulnerable will continue, but officials say that temperatures should start declining tomorrow.

(cm)