Two-wheeler catches fire in Kukatpally amid extreme heat
Hyderabad: A two-wheeler caught fire near Kukatpally Y Junction on Monday afternoon, April 7, 2025, causing panic in the area. The fire is suspected to have been caused by the extreme heat currently affecting the city.
According to witnesses, the fire broke out unexpectedly, likely due to the high temperatures experienced in recent days. Local residents quickly responded by using buckets of water and cement bags from nearby shops to contain the flames before they spread. However, no injuries or fatalities were reported, though the vehicle was almost completely destroyed.
Police arrived soon after the incident and helped control the situation. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Heatwave Conditions Continue in Telangana
The heatwave across Telangana persists, with temperatures recorded at 40-41°C in northern districts and 38-40°C in Hyderabad on April 6, 2025. The forecast indicates an additional 1°C rise in temperatures on April 7, making conditions even hotter. After April 8, scattered storms are expected, though they are likely to be less intense than the previous heatwave.
In response to the extreme temperatures, the Telangana government, through the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, has issued a heat advisory for the coming days.
Government’s Heatwave Advisory
The advisory highlights the need to stay hydrated during the heatwave. Citizens are urged to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty. Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), homemade drinks like lemon water and buttermilk, and fruit juices are also recommended. Carrying water while traveling is advised.
The government also recommends consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, musk melon, oranges, cucumbers, and lettuce, to help maintain hydration levels.
When going outdoors, it is advised to wear loose, light-colored cotton clothing, cover the head with an umbrella or hat, and wear shoes or sandals to protect feet from hot surfaces. Limiting outdoor activities to the cooler parts of the day, early morning and evening, is also suggested.
Staying indoors in well-ventilated spaces is encouraged, with windows and curtains kept closed during the day to block out the heat and opened at night to let in cooler air.
Precautions to Take
The advisory also outlines precautions to minimize exposure to the intense heat. People are advised to avoid being outside between 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m., as this is when the sun is at its strongest. Strenuous physical activities, particularly in the afternoon, should be avoided.
It is also important to avoid walking barefoot in the sun, cooking during peak heat hours, or consuming dehydrating beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks. High-protein, salty, spicy, and oily foods should also be avoided.
Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
The government has outlined the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, which include nausea, vomiting, hot and dry skin, a body temperature above 40°C (104°F), dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and confusion. Immediate medical attention is recommended if any of these symptoms appear.
To assist with emergencies, the state has made provisions for special beds, intravenous fluids, essential medicines, and ORS sachets, which are available at public health facilities and through community health workers like ANMs, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers.
The advisory was issued by Dr. B. Ravinder Nayak, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to protect citizens during the ongoing heatwave.
