If you thought the Saigon heat was bad, take solace in the fact that you don’t live in Southern India where a recent heat wave has resulted in over 1,000 deaths and melting streets.

Temperatures in southeastern India have been steadily climbing since mid-April. Though things are expected to cool down later this week, the heat wave has already taken its toll, reports the Asian Correspondent.

In the state of Andhra Pradesh, more than 550 people have died from the unrelenting heat since May 13, according to state Deputy Chief Minister Nimmakayala Chinna Rajappa.

“The majority of the victims are people who have been exposed to the sun directly, usually aged 50 and above and from the working classes,” P Tulsi Rani, special commissioner of Andhra Pradesh’s disaster management department, told AFP.

“We are asking them to take precautions like using an umbrella, using a cap, taking a huge quantity of liquids like water and buttermilk, and wearing cotton clothing.”

Monsoon rains are expected to reach the region next week, but some fear it will be hit by drought before relief arrives.