India's heat wave death toll rises

A rickshaw driver takes a rest under the shade of a tree as India reels under a severe heat wave

HYDERABAD, India -- The death toll from southeastern India's searing heat wave has risen to 175 over the past week, as the temperature moves toward record highs, a state relief official said Tuesday.

Relief Commissioner D.C. Roshaiah told The Associated Press news agency the death toll was raised from 50 after receiving updates from district officials on Tuesday.

Most of the deaths were the result of heat stroke and other heat-induced conditions, said Roshaiah. He also noted that most of the victims of sunstroke were from poor families.

C.V.V. Bhadram, the chief weather officer of southern Andhra Pradesh, told The Associated Press that temperatures in some areas of the state had reached nearly 120 degrees.

Bhadram said the heat wave is caused by winds blowing over from the desert in northwestern India, and is expected to continue for a few more days.

The streets of many cities and towns remain deserted during the day as people are advised to remain indoors, especially around noon.

People were also instructed to consume plenty of water.