Official numbers released in May revealed 60 individuals died between March and May across India owing to heat-related ailments.
But since heat-related mortality in rural areas is often underreported, the actual figure is probably far higher.
India is currently experiencing the longest heatwave since records have been kept, according to officials. In certain places, the temperature has lately surpassed 50 °C.
Since it has persisted for almost 24 days in various regions of the nation, this has been the longest time, according to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), who spoke with the news.
Since mid-May, there has been intense heat in some parts of northern India, with some cities reporting highs of 45 to 50 degrees Celsius.
Water shortages have also affected several parts of the nation, with excessive temperatures putting a tremendous demand on available resources.
Authorities in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar reported that at least eighteen poll workers who were assigned to the last round of the general elections passed away due to heat-related ailments earlier this month.
In Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, there were at least 33 suspected cases of heatstroke that resulted in deaths on May 31, including election officials.
As it moves toward the country’s north over the next few days, the monsoon—which began on May 30 and arrived in Kerala state on India’s southern coast—is predicted to provide some respite.
