New Delhi: People in large parts of India sweated through the deadly heat wave that tested power grids and disaster preparedness of states on Sunday while Maharashtra’s Akola imposed Section 144 until May 31, prohibiting public gatherings. A ‘red’ warning has been issued for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, indicating a “very high likelihood” of heat illness and heat stroke for all age groups.

Rajasthan’s Phalodi was the hottest place in the country for the second consecutive day, recording a maximum temperature of 49.8 degrees Celsius. A day ago, the city hit 50 degrees Celsius — the highest temperature recorded in the country since June 1, 2019.