Temperatures reach 45 degrees Celsius, two of the most populous states in India have recorded nearly 100 deaths due to the heatwave.
According to The Guardian, in just the past few days, many regions in India have been suffering from scorching heat, with temperatures soaring between 43 to 45 degrees Celsius. On June 18, the highest recorded temperature reached 43 degrees Celsius, which is 5 degrees higher than normal. Meanwhile, humidity levels were at 25%, further exacerbating the suffocating atmosphere.
Statistics released show that in a matter of days, the oppressive heat has resulted in at least 100 fatalities in Uttar Pradesh and eastern Bihar, the two most populous states in the country.
High temperatures and low humidity make the heat even more severe.
Authorities have previously issued heatwave warnings, urging residents to stay indoors during the morning hours, especially those over 60 and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. However, a health official in Ballia—a region in Uttar Pradesh—reported that in just the past three days, around 300 patients have been admitted to local hospitals due to their conditions worsening from the heat.
Most of the deceased were over 60 years old and had multiple health issues.
Due to the serious situation, the government has canceled leave requests for healthcare workers in Ballia and provided additional hospital beds in the emergency ward to accommodate the increasing number of patients. Officials stated that most of the hospitalized patients are over 60 years old and often exhibit symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and heart-related issues.
RS Pathak, a resident of Ballia who lost his father on June 18, shared that he witnessed the rising number of patients arriving at the emergency department while caring for his father.
“This has never happened in Ballia. I have never seen so many people die from the heat like this before. People are afraid to risk going outside. The streets and markets are mostly deserted,” he shared.
Relatives care for a patient on a stretcher in a hospital courtyard in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
Typically, the summer months (April to June) are the hottest in India, but over the past decade, the heat has shown signs of becoming increasingly severe. Not only the heat, but over 1.4 billion people in this country also face severe shortages of drinking water during the summer.
In April, India also recorded a horrific heatwave that claimed 13 lives during an event in the financial capital, Mumbai. In response to this situation, several states were forced to close all schools for a week.
Many people have to cover up to avoid the heat.
A woman carries an earthen pot for storing drinking water.
Many people and animals seek refuge from the heat in the shade.
A woman temporarily cools off with fruit.
Many residents struggle to cope with the sweltering heat.
The heat has caused water levels in the Dhasaan River in Madhya Pradesh to drop.
