A severe heatwave continues to wreak havoc in India as the eastern state of Odisha reported eight deaths within a 72-hour period. Official figures released in May suggested 60 people died between March and May across India due to heat-related illnesses.

But the number is likely to be much higher as heat-related deaths go under-reported in rural areas.

Officials say India is in the middle of the longest heatwave it has seen since records began. Temperatures have crossed 50C in some areas recently. Parts of northern India have been experiencing extreme heat since mid-May, with temperatures hovering between 45-50C in several cities.

Some areas of the country have also been impacted by water shortages, with extreme heat placing huge demands on supplies.