About 1,100 people dead as summer temperatures soar in India

HYDERABAD, India (AP) — Soaring summer temperatures in India have left more than 1,100 people dead over the past month, officials said today.

Most of the deaths have been reported in the southeastern states of Andhra Pradesh and Telengana.

More than 852 people have died from the stifling heat in Andhra Pradesh since May 13, a government statement said. In neighboring Telengana 266 have died from heat-related causes, Bhambal Ram Meena, a top official in the disaster management department, said.

Over the last two days temperatures in both states have reduced marginally but continue to hover near 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).

Public announcements have urged people to drink water and try and avoid going outdoors during the hottest hours of the day.