Sweltering Heatwave Claims Lives in India's Most Populous States
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Around 170 people have died in recent days due to a blistering heatwave in two of India's most populous states, causing overwhelming strain on hospitals and exacerbated by routine power outages.
Uttar Pradesh has reported 119 heat-related deaths, while Bihar has recorded 47 fatalities, according to local media and health officials.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that temperatures in the northern states, already known for extreme heat during summer, have been consistently above normal, reaching highs of 43.5 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit), the Aljazeera reported.
The IMD issues a heatwave alert when temperatures are at least 4.5 degrees Celsius (8.1 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal or above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).
Although heatwave warnings were issued for several days, government officials did not urge people to take precautions until Sunday, coinciding with a surge in the death toll.
The largest hospital in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, is overwhelmed with patients, and its morgue is strained after 54 heat-related deaths. The cause of these deaths is under investigation, and officials are cautious about attributing them solely to the heatwave. Power outages across the region have added to the heat stress, leaving people without running water, fans, or air-conditioning.
Amid the crisis, Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured citizens of measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply and urged responsible electricity usage. However, conditions in the Ballia district hospital reflect the chaos witnessed during the pandemic, with families and doctors struggling to manage the influx of patients. The hospital lacks functioning air-conditioners, and attendants resort to fanning patients with books and wiping their sweat to provide relief. Serious cases are being transferred to larger hospitals in nearby cities, and additional medical resources are being deployed to the district hospital.
Residents in Ballia express fear of venturing outdoors after midmorning due to the intensity of the heatwave. Climate experts emphasize the need for improved preparation and response to heatwaves, as they are expected to persist.
A study by World Weather Attribution links the heightened frequency of extreme heatwaves in South Asia to climate change, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive plans, including public awareness campaigns, cooling centers, and healthcare assistance, to mitigate the impacts and save lives.
