Sweltering Heat Wave Claims Lives in India’s Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
LUCKNOW, India – Over the past few days, a scorching heat wave has swept through two of India’s most populous states, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 96 people. The affected regions are Uttar Pradesh in the north and Bihar in the east, where authorities have issued warnings for residents over 60 years old and those with preexisting health conditions to remain indoors during the daytime.
In Uttar Pradesh, all 54 reported fatalities occurred in Ballia district, located approximately 300 kilometers southeast of the state capital, Lucknow. Medical officials discovered that most of the victims were elderly individuals over the age of 60, who may have had preexisting health issues that were exacerbated by the extreme heat. In the past three days alone, around 300 patients were admitted to the district hospital in Ballia, seeking treatment for various ailments aggravated by the high temperatures.
The severity of the situation prompted authorities to cancel leave applications for medical personnel in Ballia. Additional beds were also provided in the emergency ward to accommodate the influx of patients. The majority of those admitted were elderly individuals displaying symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and heart-related problems.
Residents of Ballia, like R.S. Pathak, who lost his father on Saturday, expressed shock at the unprecedented number of deaths caused by the heat. Pathak noted the increased flow of patients in the hospital’s emergency ward while attending to his father, stating, “This has never happened in Ballia. I have never seen people dying because of the heat in such large numbers. People fear venturing out. The roads and markets are largely deserted.”
Ballia, along with central and eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh, is currently grappling with oppressive heat. On Sunday, the district experienced a maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the normal range by five degrees. The relative humidity was recorded at 25%, intensifying the impact of the heat. Atul Kumar Singh, a scientist from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), confirmed that temperatures across the state were currently above normal and predicted that no relief would be expected in the next 24 hours. The IMD issued an alert, stating that heat wave conditions would persist until June 19 in certain parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Meanwhile, in eastern Bihar, scorching heat has also engulfed the state, resulting in 42 deaths over the past two days. The majority of these fatalities, 35 in total, occurred at two hospitals in the state capital of Patna, where over 200 patients suffering from diarrhea and vomiting were being treated. On Saturday, Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 44.7 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).
The months of April, May, and June are typically the hottest in most parts of India before the arrival of monsoon rains, which bring cooler temperatures. However, temperatures have been increasingly intense in the past decade. During heat waves, the country often experiences severe water shortages, leaving tens of millions of its 1.4 billion people without access to running water.
A study conducted by World Weather Attribution, an academic group that analyzes the causes of extreme weather events, revealed that climate change made a searing heat wave in April at least 30 times more likely in certain parts of South Asia. In April, the heat wave resulted in the deaths of 13 people at a government event in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, and led some states to close all schools for a week.
The authorities in Uttar Pradesh have initiated an investigation into the cause of the numerous deaths in Ballia. The situation remains critical in both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, as residents and medical personnel continue to grapple with the devastating effects of the ongoing heat wave.
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Associated Press writer Indrajit Singh in Patna, India contributed to this report.
How are authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar working to alleviate the suffering caused by the heatwave
Entless heat wave has made it nearly unbearable for residents, especially the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions.
In Bihar, the situation is equally dire. At least 42 people have lost their lives due to the scorching temperatures. The state government has issued heatwave warnings and advised people to stay indoors during the peak hours of the day. With temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), it is crucial for everyone to take precautions and stay hydrated.
The impact of this heatwave is a tragic reminder of the urgency to address climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, heatwaves like this are becoming more frequent and severe. It is crucial for governments, communities, and individuals to come together to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
In the meanwhile, authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are taking measures to alleviate the suffering caused by the heatwave. Increased medical support and emergency services are being provided, and efforts are being made to educate the public about staying safe during extreme heat.
Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones during this devastating heatwave. May they find strength and support during this difficult time. Let us all remember to take care of ourselves and those around us as we continue to face the challenges of a changing climate.
