A doctor in Delhi, the capital of India, claims to have never seen anything like this in one of the country’s biggest hospitals.
“This heatwave is unheard of. I have been working here for 13 years, and I don’t recall ever completing a heat stroke death certificate. I’ve signed a few this year,” says Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RMLH) official Ajay Chauhan.
Since May, Delhi has been experiencing a protracted heatwave, with daily highs of above 40C (104F) and highs of around 50C. Humidity, strong winds, and a shortage of water and electricity due to increased demand all exacerbate the heat. Furthermore, the heat is killing individuals; according to media estimates, at least 20 deaths have been attributed to heat-related ailments.
A core body temperature of 40.5C (105F) or greater, mental changes such as mild disorientation or altered consciousness, and exposure to intense heat and humidity are the three main indicators of heat stroke, the most serious form of heat disease. In addition to being a silent killer, heat stroke can cause symptoms to appear hours after sun exposure. Heat strokes have a fatality rate of 40–64%, according to India’s National Centre for Disease Control, making them “life-threatening” conditions.
Over forty patients have received treatment for heat-related illnesses since Dr. Chauhan’s hospital in Delhi started a heat stroke clinic in late May, during which seven people have died from heat stroke.
