LUCKNOW, India – At least 24 people have died in a scorching heat wave that has swept over half a dozen Indian states, officials said today.

The highest temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) this week was recorded in Bundelkhand district of northern Uttar Pradesh state.

At least five people have died from heat stroke this week in the state, according to Raja Ram Srivastava, a revenue department official.

Authorities said four people died in eastern Orissa state, according to O.J. Choudhary, an official at the revenue department, which monitors heat-related deaths. Thirty-nine other suspected heat wave deaths are being investigated, he added.

In northern Bihar state, at least 15 people have died in 10 days of intense heat, according to a local disaster management official who refused to be named because he wasn't authorized to speak to reporters.

As temperatures have soared, most parts of north and central India have suffered severe water and power shortages, leading to protests by residents, news reports said.

The meteorological department said the sweltering conditions were likely to continue for at least two more days.

[Source: The Associated Press]