At least 330 million people hit by drought in India

Water is a high priority for at least 330 million
people affected by drought in India.

At least 330 million people are affected by drought in India, the government has told the Supreme Court.

Authorities say this number is likely to rise further given that some states with water shortages have not yet submitted status reports.

The drought is taking place as a heat wave extends across much of India with temperatures crossing 40C for days now.

An 11-year-old girl died of heatstroke while collecting water from a village pump in the western Maharashtra state.

Yogita Desai had spent close to four hours in 42C temperatures gathering water from the pump on Sunday, local journalist Manoj Sapte told the BBC..

Read the BBC story - “India drought: '330 million people affected'.”