Heat wave in India kills 52 with death toll set to rise

A SWELTERING heat wave in India’s eastern and southern parts has killed at least 52 people, as temperatures soared up to 47 degrees Celsius since summer began last month, government officials yesterday said.

The dead were mostly old people, small children and the poor, who lack proper shelter and adequate drinking water.

Gruelling heat is made worse by power cuts that shut off fans and water pumps.