At least 24 dead in eastern India as temperatures soar

BHUBANESWAR: Authorities reported at least 15 deaths from suspected heatstroke in India’s Bihar and Odisha states on Thursday. The region remains in a debilitating heatwave, projected to persist until Saturday.

Delhi, India, faced scorching temperatures, with a part recording the country’s highest-ever temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius. The weather department is reviewing the station’s sensors for accuracy.

While temperatures in northwestern and central India are expected to fall in the coming days, the prevailing heatwave over east India is likely to continue for two days, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which declares a heatwave when the temperature is 4.5 C to 6.4 C higher than normal.

The deaths of 10 people were reported in the government hospital in Odisha’s Rourkela region on Thursday, authorities told Reuters, while five deaths were reported in Bihar’s Aurangabad city due to “sunstroke.”

“About seven more people died on their way to the hospital yesterday but the exact cause of their death will be known after the autopsy,” Aurangabad District Collector Shrikant Shastree told Reuters.

The Odisha government has prohibited outdoor activities for its employees between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when temperatures peak.

Three people died of suspected heatstroke in Jharkhand state, neighboring Bihar, local media reported.

In response to the India heat wave, concerted efforts are essential to mitigate its impacts. Immediate actions include disseminating heat wave warnings, providing cooling shelters, and ensuring access to clean water.

Additionally, long-term strategies should focus on urban planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, and community empowerment.
read more
image source