Hyderabad, April 15 -- Declaring Sunstroke as "state-specific disaster' the Telangana government on Tuesday issued orders to provide Rs 4 lakh ex gratia to the families of deceased persons.

The state government, having taken into consideration all the facts, has decided to declare heatwave/sunstroke as a "State Specific Disaster" henceforth for the purpose of providing relief to the families of the victims." according to a GO issued by Special Chief Secretary to Government Arvind Kumar.

Heatwaves remain a "hidden hazard" whose impacts are under-recognised due to measurement and valuation challenges. There is under-reporting of deaths and severe impact of heat waves, especially in the vulnerable sections of the population, including women,...