Heatwave leaves homeless battling hunger, dehydration

Temperatures have soared in Vijayawada over the past few days, leaving homeless and destitute people at bus and railway stations struggling with dehydration and hunger. Many were forced to take shelter under flyovers, on railway platforms and at other public places to escape the scorching heat. Some were seen seeking alms at traffic junctions under the blazing sun.

Vagabonds and homeless people were seen moving around the Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS) and temples in search of food and shelter. With roads largely deserted due to the severe heatwave, many destitute people and beggars were left without access to food.

Meanwhile, individuals and members of various charitable trusts came forward to distribute food and milk packets to the homeless living near temples and on pavements.

In one such incident, the Mangalagiri police on Saturday rescued a 70-year-old beggar, A. Nageswara Rao, who was found in a critical condition due to dehydration caused by the intense heat.

“The old man had been staying under a tree at Navuluru village for the past few days. He was suffering from dehydration and other health problems because of the soaring temperatures and heatwave conditions,” said a villager, Ramu.

After receiving information from an Anganwadi worker and villagers, Sub-Inspector Venkat, along with other police personnel, visited Navuluru village and enquired about the man’s health condition and family background.

“Mr. Nageswara Rao became homeless and had been begging at temples following family disputes. The SI counselled his family members and helped reunite him with them,” another villager, Lakshmi, said.