HYDERABAD: At least 16 people have died from suspected heatstroke across seven districts in India’s Telangana this summer, Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy announced during a review meeting on Saturday.

While official data confirms 16 deaths, unconfirmed reports suggest the toll could be as high as 34.

In contrast, neighboring Andhra Pradesh has recorded 319 cases of sunstroke but zero deaths.

The Telangana government has announced a compensation of ₹400,000 each for the families of the deceased.

Minister Reddy attributed the extreme heatwave conditions to the severe El Niño impact and directed officials to expedite the compensation process.

Temperatures in the state soared past 45°C across 19 districts on Saturday, with Dummugudem and Dharmapuri recording the highest maximum temperature at 46.3°C.