Heat-Related Deaths Rise in India Amid Severe Heatwave and Cyclone
India has been grappling with a severe heatwave and heavy rains, leading to a surge in heat-related cases and deaths. According to Reuters, citing local media and government data, nearly 25,000 suspected heat stroke cases and 56 deaths were reported between March and May. The month of May proved particularly harsh, with temperatures in Delhi and Rajasthan soaring to a scorching 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).
Meanwhile, parts of eastern India have been battling Cyclone Remal, and heavy rains in Assam have claimed 14 lives since Tuesday. The extreme weather has also taken a toll during India’s recent general election, with at least 33 people, including election officials, dying of suspected heatstroke in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha.
Data from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reveals that May was the deadliest month, with 46 heat-related deaths and 19,189 suspected heat stroke cases. The total death toll in India, including suspected cases, could be as high as 80, according to The Hindu. The central state of Madhya Pradesh alone recorded over 5,000 heat stroke cases.
Odisha Alone Sees 20 Sunstroke Deaths
The state of Odisha has been particularly hard-hit by the heatwave, with 20 confirmed sunstroke deaths reported in the past three days. Authorities have reported 99 suspected sunstroke deaths across various districts since Friday. Post-mortem examinations and inquiries have confirmed 20 of these as sunstroke deaths, while two were due to other causes. The remaining cases are still under investigation.
Climate Change Impact
A combination of factors, including human-driven climate change, has resulted in an intensely hot summer in South Asia. In Sri Lanka, at least 15 people have died from landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
As the monsoon arrives in Kerala, it is expected to bring some relief from the sweltering heat. However, the early arrival of the monsoon may also lead to additional flooding and landslides. Experts warn that climate change is likely to make these extreme weather events more frequent and intense in the future.
