New Delhi, May 21 -- Large parts of India continued to reel under severe heatwave conditions on Thursday, with temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius in several regions, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue Red and Orange alerts across multiple states while hospitals, civic bodies and local administrations intensified preparations to tackle heat-related illnesses.

From Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan to Maharashtra, Telangana and Gujarat, people battled scorching temperatures, water shortages and hot winds, while doctors urged citizens to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours and stay hydrated.

Speaking to ANI, IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said heatwave conditions were likely to continue for at lea...