Southern and Eastern India have experienced a fatal heatwave in the last week, with over 160 fatalities reported to be linked to the ever-rising temperatures.

Schools in the regions have been closed and will remain closed until April 26th, with temperatures recorded at 45C and above.

Oriss, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are the primary areas reporting deaths in relation to the heatwave.

Officials in Andhra Pradesh were giving out free water and buttermilk in order to help people stay hydrated.

Across the nation, people have been urged to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, as temperatures are on average between 8 and 10 degrees higher than is normally recorded at this time of the year.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that India's high temperatures are reflective of the worldwide rising temperatures, with March's average global recording of 12.7C continues on a record eleven-month streak that started last May of hottest months in recorded history.