Date:13/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/13/stories/2005051312410400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Rajahmundry reels as mercury soars

Staff Reporter

RAJAHMUNDRY: With the mercury steadily increasing for the last four days, day temperature stood at 45 degree Celsius on Wednesday. However, on Thursday there was a drop of two degrees.

The town wore a deserted look with people hardly venturing out in the afternoon. There has also been a considerable drop in the number of visitors from the neighbouring areas due to the heat, affecting vendors and those doing daily business. "Last year, about 60 people died in the district due to sunstroke and the temperatures had then touched 49 deg. Celsius in last week of May.

The farmhouse of Central Tobacco Research Institute here, which records temperatures to assist farmers has predicted that if the heat wave prevails for a few more days, the maximum temperature may even cross 50 deg. Celsius during the third week of May.