Heat wave claims three lives in West Bengal

The heat wave sweeping across several districts of West Bengal claimed at least three lives today as the mercury touched 45-degree mark in Burdwan and Bankura.

The deaths were reported from Purulia, Bankura and Howrah districts.

Accoring to reports, a farmer collapsed while working at Baghmundi, 75 km from Purulia town, and one each person died in Howrah and Bankura towns after suffering heat stroke.

School timings in Purulia town have been changed and classes are being held from 6am and 10.30am in view of the heat wave.

Roads, by and large, wore a deserted look after 11am as people kept themselves indoors with the mercury soaring to 44.8 degrees in the district.

An average daily blackout of around eight hours have added to the woes of the citizens, who set up road blocks inin protest.

Normal life was also hit in adjacent Bankura district as temperature rose to 45 degree Celsius.

Several areas witnessed average powercuts of 11 hours, which also led to acute drinking water scarcity.

The coal belt of Asansol and Kulti in Burdwan district continued to be extremely hot with the maximum temperature settling at around 45 degree Celsius.