Heat waves kill 30 in Western Bengal

The intense heat wave sweeping West Bengal, in the eastern region of India has claimed the lives of 30 people during the past five days with the average temperature hovering at 45 degrees Celsius. While nine people died in Burdwan district, three each were killed in Kolkata and Purulia district. Another 16 unnatural deaths from various hospitals in the Burdwan district was recorded on Tuesday The Regional Meteorological Office said Birbhum, Burdwan, Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore districts recorded around 45 degree Celsius or more during the day on Monday, while Kolkata registered the season's highest of 40.2 degree Celsius. -- five degrees above normal - the temperature rose even higher in the other parts of South Bengal. As a temporary measure to check the ugly trend of intense heat wave which might result in more casualties, the District Magistrate OS Meena told Indo-Asian News Service that the government have arranged for additional beds and generators in the hospitals. He said drinking water tankers are also being placed in various parts and schools have been asked to extend the summer holidays. Culled from NDTV