A brutal heatwave scorching parts of India has claimed over 50 lives in the past three days.
The scorching temperatures have coincided with the final phase of the country’s general election, putting additional strain on people working outdoors.
The northern state reported the highest number of fatalities with at least 33 deaths attributed to the heat. These included election officials, security personnel, and sanitation workers involved in the polling process.
At least 20 people have died from heatstroke in this eastern state. Local authorities suspect the actual number may be much higher, reporting 99 suspected heatstroke deaths in the past 72 hours.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition, with India’s National Centre for Disease Control warning of a 40-64% mortality rate. The unrelenting heat in northern and central India has seen temperatures reaching up to 50°C in some areas.
While the national weather department predicts a drop in temperatures due to the approaching monsoon, the current heatwave has caused severe water and electricity shortages in several regions.
- Hospitals: Many hospitals across the country have set up special units to deal with the surge in heat-related illnesses.
- Election officials: Uttar Pradesh has announced a financial compensation of 1.5 million rupees for the families of deceased election personnel.
This intense heatwave highlights the dangers of rising temperatures and the need for better heatstroke prevention measures, especially for outdoor workers.
