Heatwave in India becomes fatal
(MENAFN) As scorching temperatures sweep across northern India, including regions like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar, reports of fatalities due to heat-related ailments have surged. According to Indian media sources, the blistering heat, with temperatures exceeding 50°C (120°F), has resulted in over 60 deaths from heat stroke in recent days.
In Bihar alone, authorities confirmed that at least 18 people succumbed to heat-related illnesses within a span of 48 hours, with eight of them being officials on election duty. Bihar, a key state in India's national elections, is witnessing polling across all seven phases amidst the oppressive heat.
Responding to the escalating heatwave, the Bihar government has taken preventive measures, mandating the closure of all schools and coaching institutions until June 8 to safeguard residents from the extreme temperatures.
Further exacerbating the situation, Odisha, an eastern state on the Bay of Bengal, has reported a surge in heat-related fatalities, with approximately 41 deaths suspected to be due to heat stroke in the past 24 hours. This marks Odisha's most prolonged heatwave in nearly a decade.
In Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, tragic reports emerged of two children succumbing to heat stroke after falling ill. Despite being rushed to the hospital, they were declared dead upon arrival.
Earlier alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) painted a grim picture, as red alerts were issued for multiple states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. These warnings emphasized the high risk of heat illness and heat stroke across all age groups. Notably, on May 29, New Delhi's Mungeshpur area recorded an alarming temperature of 52.9°C – a figure that, although later questioned due to potential sensor inaccuracies, underscored the severity of the heatwave gripping the nation.
MENAFN03062024000045015687ID1108289543
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.