As northwestern India continues to face an intense heatwave, the country has recorded over 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke this summer season, with Madhya Pradesh and Delhi being the worst affected, according to Reuters. The severe heat has claimed more than 100 lives across India, coinciding with heavy rains, landslides, and floods in northeastern states.
Temperatures have soared to nearly 50 degrees Celsius in parts of Rajasthan and other northern states amid the ongoing heatwave, exacerbated by human-induced climate change, contributing to one of the longest spells of extreme heat recorded in the region.
The prolonged heatwave has significantly increased instances of heat-related illnesses in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Reports include incidents of birds falling from the sky due to dehydration caused by the scorching temperatures.
With both daytime and nighttime temperatures well above normal in northwestern India, hospitals have reported a surge in patients seeking treatment for heat-related ailments.
According to Reuters, health officials have identified more than 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke and confirmed at least 110 deaths between March 1 and June 18. During this period, northwestern and eastern India have experienced twice the usual number of days classified as heatwaves.
In response to the escalating heatwave and its impacts, Union Health Minister JP Nadda convened a meeting on Wednesday to assess the situation nationwide and the readiness of hospitals to manage heat-related emergencies, as stated in a press release.
Meanwhile, heavy rains in Assam triggered floods and landslides, claiming six lives on Tuesday night. The India Meteorological Department issued rainfall alerts for Manipur, Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh this week, as waters in the Kopili River surged above danger levels, affecting over 160,000 people in Assam alone.
