A severe heatwave has wreaked havoc across India, claiming 22 lives within a span of 36 hours in the states of Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand. This alarming rise in fatalities underscores the deadly impact of soaring temperatures and highlights the urgent need for effective heatwave management strategies.
In Odisha, the city of Rourkela recorded a maximum temperature of 44.9°C on Thursday, leading to the tragic deaths of ten individuals within a mere seven hours. The deceased, who included six women and four men, were aged between 23 and 70 years. These deaths occurred at the Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) between 1.30 pm and 8.40 pm. According to RGH Director Ganesh Prasad Das, eight of the ten patients were already deceased upon arrival, while two succumbed during treatment. The suspected cause of death is heatstroke, although definitive conclusions will only be drawn post-mortem, scheduled for Friday.
Bihar experienced similarly dire conditions, with temperatures peaking at 47.1°C on Thursday. Over a 24-hour period, nine individuals lost their lives due to suspected heat-related complications. Among the deceased were five polling officers, indicating that the extreme heat coincided with critical administrative duties. Fatalities were reported from various districts: four from Bhojpur, and one each from Buxar, Rohtas, Arwal, Begusarai, and Patna. The widespread nature of these deaths underscores the pervasive threat posed by the heatwave.
In Jharkhand, three individuals succumbed to the extreme heat within the last 36 hours, further highlighting the widespread impact of this climatic crisis. Adding to the grim statistics, Nagpur reported the deaths of at least 20 unidentified individuals between May 24 and 30. These fatalities are suspected to be due to sunstroke, given the heatwave-like conditions prevalent in the region during this period. The recurrent heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, pose a significant public health challenge. The increasing frequency and intensity of such events necessitate urgent measures to protect vulnerable populations. Enhanced public awareness, improved heatwave forecasting, and the establishment of cooling centres are critical components in mitigating the impact of extreme temperatures.
Authorities are urged to expedite the post-mortem examinations and provide comprehensive reports to inform future preventive strategies. As India continues to grapple with rising temperatures, the importance of robust heatwave preparedness cannot be overstated. The tragic loss of 22 lives serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of extreme heat and the pressing need for concerted action to safeguard public health.
