India registers 40,000 heatstroke cases as heatwave continues, MP and Delhi worst impacted

According to officials, India recorded more than 40,000 heatstroke cases this summer, and at least 100 people were killed as a result of a lengthy heatwave. According to health ministry data, at least 110 individuals perished between March 1 and June 18, as the northwest and eastern areas were hit with twice as many hot days as normal. The union government has ordered federal and state agencies to provide “immediate attention” to patients. Delhi, where water and electricity shortages have aggravated people’s suffering, has also instructed hospitals to make extra beds accessible. According to weather agency authorities, temperatures will remain above average throughout June.

The heatwave had the greatest impact on the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh (MP) and its capital, Delhi. More than 5,200 incidents of this nature have been documented in MP alone. Rajasthan also had 4,300 heat-related illnesses, while at least 20 deaths were reported in Delhi alone. The neighbouring city of Noida has reportedly confirmed 14 deaths thus far.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda evaluated hospital preparations across the country on Wednesday (Jun 19). “Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the heatwave situation across the country and preparedness of hospitals to deal with heatwave with senior officials of the Health Ministry, here today,” per a release from the government.

Experts conclude that the heat has been harsher over time as a result of human-caused climate change. This summer, North India saw one of the longest heatwaves on record, with temperatures reaching almost 50 degrees Celsius.

According to Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of the non-profit Wildlife SOS, “During the ongoing heatwave, most bird rescue calls that we receive are due to birds falling from the skies.”

“In the past two weeks, Wildlife SOS has been receiving more than 35-40 rescue calls daily, in and around Delhi-National Capital Region. Most of the calls include bird rescue requests,” he said.

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