New Delhi has been gripped by a severe heatwave that tragically claimed the lives of five individuals within a span of 72 hours, highlighting the deadly impact of soaring temperatures on vulnerable populations. The victims, all admitted to prominent hospitals across the city, succumbed to heatstroke, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced awareness and mitigation strategies amid rising climate challenges.
At Safdarjung Hospital, two fatalities were recorded on Tuesday. A 50-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman, admitted the previous day, passed away due to heat-related complications. Despite receiving initial treatment at the hospital’s outpatient department, their conditions rapidly deteriorated, reflecting the intensity of the ongoing heatwave. Similarly, Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital reported the deaths of a 40-year-old woman labourer and a 60-year-old male security guard, both succumbing to heatstroke. The hospital, which saw a total of seven heatstroke-related deaths recently, continues to manage numerous critical cases requiring intensive care and respiratory support.
Lok Nayak Hospital also witnessed a tragic incident involving a 39-year-old car mechanic from Janakpuri, who passed away despite efforts to stabilise his condition. This further underscores the severity of heat-related illnesses among individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who often lack access to adequate cooling facilities and medical care. Medical experts emphasised the critical nature of heatstroke management, noting symptoms ranging from heat cramps to severe heatstroke, which manifests with confusion, high body temperature, and unconsciousness if left untreated. “Early reporting and prompt cooling measures are crucial in preventing organ failure and mitigating the potentially fatal consequences of heatstroke,” stressed a healthcare professional from RML Hospital.
In response to the surge in heat-related admissions, hospitals in New Delhi have intensified efforts to educate the public about heatwave precautions and provide timely medical interventions. With temperatures expected to remain high in the coming days, authorities urge citizens, especially those in vulnerable demographics, to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and seek medical help promptly if experiencing heat-related symptoms. The recent fatalities serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust public health measures and climate resilience strategies to protect communities during extreme weather events like heatwaves, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe in urban centres like New Delhi.
