10 die due to heat wave in northern India

NEW DELHI - At least 10 people have died due to a heat wave in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in the past 24 hours, a senior official said Tuesday.

"While four persons died in the state's Bundelkhand region, six children lost their lives in the Avadh region in Bahraich district after suffering heat stroke," he said on condition of anonymity.

He added: "Several others, mostly infants, have been admitted to a number of hospitals across the state with heat stroke. The condition of some are said to be critical."

According to the weather department, temperature is hovering around 46 Celsius degrees in several parts of Uttar Pradesh, mainly Etawah, Mainpuri, Unnao, Kanpur and state capital Lucknow.

The state recorded the hottest day of the season at 48 Celsius degrees on Sunday, which was the highest in the country.