At least 16 people have died of heatstroke in southern India this summer, officials said Sunday, as a heatwave grips large parts of the country.

The deaths come after official health warnings, with temperatures in several cities hovering well above 45C.

How many people have died of heatstroke in India this summer?

All 16 heatstroke deaths were reported in Telangana, a southern state. According to the Telangana Disaster Management Department, over 66 people have died of heatstroke in the state over the past 42 days, with 16 deaths recorded in a single 24-hour period.

Officials have called for statewide vigilance to safeguard public health.

What are officials saying about the Telangana heatwave?

Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said the intensity of the heat had reached unprecedented levels. His office called on Telangana officials to issue advance warnings about precautions during heatwaves.

The local government advised the elderly, children and pregnant women to avoid going out during daytime unless necessary.

Why is India’s heatwave so dangerous this year?

The India Meteorological Department predicted above-normal temperatures and intense heatwave conditions across several parts of the country earlier this week.

Temperatures in New Delhi and nearby cities have stayed above 40C throughout the week, pushing power usage to record levels. Overnight minimum temperatures have also remained high, giving people little relief.

Health experts say extreme heat causes dehydration that thickens the blood. In severe cases, this can lead to organ failure. Climate research has consistently found that heatwaves are becoming longer, more frequent and more intense as global temperatures rise.

What is India’s role in climate change?

India is the world’s most populous nation and the third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases.

The country relies heavily on burning coal for power generation and has committed to reaching a net-zero emissions economy by 2070, two decades after most industrialized Western nations.

India’s highest officially recorded temperature is 51C, measured at Phalodi in Rajasthan in 2016.