8 hrs ago
Heat and power cuts worsen Rayalaseema residents' woes
Rayalaseema is experiencing very hot weather after a short break from the heat.
Temperatures went above 39 degrees Celsius in several districts.
Rain a week earlier helped for only about two days.
People are staying indoors during the afternoon because the sun is so strong.
Power cuts are making it harder to stay cool at home.
Some hospital services and surgeries were also affected by outages.
An engineer said some interruptions are needed for maintenance.
A weather scientist said El Niño may be contributing to the higher temperatures.
People are hoping for more rain to cool the region.
Temperatures exceeded 39 degrees Celsius in parts of Kurnool, Nandyal and Kadapa districts on Wednesday.
Rains about a week earlier brought only two days of relief before heat and humidity returned.
Frequent daytime outages have made it harder for residents to cope with the heat indoors.
Power interruptions reportedly disrupted government hospital services, with some surgeries postponed.
A weather scientist attributed the unusually high temperatures partly to El Niño and forecast continued heat.
- Who
- Residents, workers, farmers, government hospitals, power officials and weather scientists in Rayalaseema.
- What
- High heat, declining groundwater and frequent power interruptions are affecting daily life and some hospital services.
- Where
- Across Rayalaseema, including Kurnool, Nandyal and Kadapa districts.
- When
- On Wednesday, after rains about a week earlier; the heat is expected to continue for some time.
- Why
- The weather scientist cited El Niño as a contributor to the heat, while a Transco engineer said outages are linked to area maintenance.
Residents' concerns
Officials' explanations
Power interruptions
Residents' concerns
Residents say frequent and prolonged outages are worsening indoor conditions and affecting services, including hospital operations.
Officials' explanations
A Transco engineer says interruptions are limited maintenance-related outages and do not follow a regular pattern.
Key facts
- Recorded temperatures
- More than 39 degrees Celsius at several locations in Kurnool, Nandyal and Kadapa districts.
- Rain relief
- Rains about a week earlier eased conditions for approximately two days.
- Power outage duration
- Residents said an outage beginning around 7 p.m. can sometimes continue until about 9 p.m.
- Hospital impact
- Power interruptions reportedly affected government hospital services and led to some postponed surgeries.
- Official explanation
- A Transco engineer said interruptions are for maintenance in different areas and do not follow a regular pattern.
- Weather outlook
- A Rekulakunta Weather Centre scientist said high temperatures are likely to continue for some time.
- Water levels
- Groundwater officials said levels in several borewells have fallen significantly.
Quotes
Residents of Rayalaseema
Local residents commenting on power interruptions
“Usually, labourers and farmers try to finish their work and return home by noon during April and May because of the heat. But this year, we are experiencing similar conditions even in September and October. I have never seen such intense heat during the rainy season.”
deccanchronicle.com
“If power cuts are being experienced even in a major city like Kurnool, one can imagine the situation in rural areas.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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