Amid the scorching heatwave, sweeping through many parts of the country, claiming 1,242 lives altogether, the Health Ministry is likely to issue advisory for the first time ever on the "do and don'ts" to help states as well as people to cope up with the intense heat.
"This year, the heatwave condition is unprecedented and there has been a large number of deaths. The Health Ministry is likely to come up with an advisory soon for all the states and common people," a senior health Ministry official told PTI.
"He also directed the Secretary to talk to respective state Secretaries of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and provide them with all help and medical aid, if there is a need," the senior official said.
Of the 1,242 deaths, the two southern states account for most of the fatalities.
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As per the latest figures, the toll due to heat wave in Andhra Pradesh stood at 852 while it was 340 in Telangana -- together accounting for 1,192 deaths.
The heatwave is likely to continue for another two days in Telangana and three days in coastal Andhra Pradesh, said Y K Reddy, Director of Meteorological Centre, Hyderabad.
He said the deaths could be taking place due to exposure to heat for long durations. The state government had issued an alert to doctors to be ready to provide medical assistance to the heat wave-affected people.