The scorching heatwave in India has claimed the lives of more than 50 people over the past three days, with the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and Odisha (Orissa) state being the hardest hit.
In Uttar Pradesh, 33 people succumbed to the extreme heat over the weekend, while in Odisha, about 20 people died due to heat stroke, according to officials. The timing of these tragic deaths coincided with the final phase of polling for India’s general election, with the results set to be announced on 4 June.
The federal health ministry has reported at least 56 confirmed heat stroke deaths from 1 March to 30 May, with over 24,000 heatstroke cases during this period. However, state-wise figures suggest that the actual number of casualties could be much higher.
In Uttar Pradesh, volunteer policemen, polling officials, security guards, and sanitation staff were among those who lost their lives due to the heat. The chief electoral officer of the state announced that the families of deceased election personnel would receive monetary compensation.
Meanwhile, in Odisha, district authorities reported a staggering 99 suspected heat stroke deaths in the past 72 hours, with 20 cases confirmed. Suspected heat-related deaths have also been reported in other states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
The National Centre for Disease Control in India has labeled heat strokes as a “life-threatening” condition with a high mortality rate. The unrelenting heatwave, with temperatures soaring up to 50 degrees Celsius in some areas, has led to severe water and electricity shortages in many regions.
However, relief may be on the horizon as India’s weather department predicts a decrease in temperatures in the coming days with the onset of the monsoon. Despite the challenging conditions, the resilience of the Indian people shines through as they navigate through this difficult period.
