According to authorities, at least 58 people died in Delhi this summer because of heat wave. Five more people have died within daytime in the public hospitals, as rain began falling early afternoon reducing the temperature significantly.
According to data compiled by the Union Health Ministry from states through June 20, 143 people nationwide have died from heatstroke this summer.
The number, however, is less than the data that TOI obtained from official sources in various state governments, which show that there have been 209 confirmed heat-related deaths this season in addition to 239 suspected heat-related deaths, for a total of 448 confirmed and suspected deaths.
Delhi (21) followed UP (maximum 35) in the health ministry’s statistics. Odisha and Rajasthan both had 17 fatalities reported.
With 76 heat-stroke deaths, Delhi tops list; UP 2nd with 51
Heat stroke is a medical condition that arises from the body overheating due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion in such conditions.
According to ministry sources, the number of deaths may increase because some are being investigated for possible heat stroke-related deaths.
Delhi has the highest confirmed toll of heat-related deaths in the nation, with 76 recorded deaths, according to data compiled by TOI. These figures were obtained from officials at several capital government hospitals. At least 65 more people, including 51 in the Ghaziabad district and 14 in the Noida district, were suspected of having passed away from heat-related illnesses. The UP Relief Commissioner Office has confirmed 51 heat-related deaths.
Officials from the health ministry described how the ministry compiles data on heat-related deaths in the meantime. Guidelines for reporting deaths from illnesses related to heat have been established by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC). The official stated, “They upload the data on the government portal once the hospital or local authority is satisfied with the same.”
Officials have been instructed by the health ministry to make sure that all hospitals are ready to offer the best medical care to individuals impacted by the heat wave.