Results for: Heat-Related Deaths

India has experienced a surge in heat-related cases and deaths, with nearly 25,000 suspected cases and 56 fatalities reported between March and May. The month of May witnessed particularly extreme temperatures, with Delhi and Rajasthan recording highs of 50 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, heavy rains and Cyclone Remal have impacted eastern India, leading to 14 deaths in Assam. Additionally, at least 33 individuals, including election officials, succumbed to suspected heatstroke during the recent general election. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) data indicates that May was the deadliest month, with 46 heat-related deaths and over 19,000 suspected cases. Including suspected cases, the death toll could be as high as 80. Odisha has been particularly affected, with 20 confirmed sunstroke deaths reported in the past three days. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the extreme weather conditions in South Asia.

Bihar has been experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius. The state has reported 19 heat-related deaths, with 12 occurring in Aurangabad, four in Kaimur, and three in Bhojpur. Hospitals in the affected districts have admitted over 20 patients with heatstroke, including polling personnel and police officers. Authorities have issued warnings and advised people to remain indoors during the hottest hours of the day. Polling officials are being escorted to hospitals if they experience any health issues.

As temperatures soar across India, the country has recorded 60 heat-related deaths since March 1, including 32 from heatstroke and 28 from suspected heatstroke. States such as Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have reported recent suspected heatstroke deaths. To combat the rising heatwave, the Indian government has issued advisories to hospitals to ensure adequate preparedness for heat-related illnesses and urged individuals to take precautions such as drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.

Prison rights advocates have filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, alleging that the lack of air conditioning in most Texas prisons constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. The lawsuit highlights the deadly consequences of excessive heat in prisons and the failure of the state to address the issue despite a legislative surplus and evidence of heat-related deaths. Advocates argue that the state has the resources to fund air-conditioning units but lacks the compassion to do so, leaving inmates and staff at risk in sweltering conditions.

Responding to the record number of heat-related deaths and the planet’s warmest year on record, U.S. agencies have developed HeatRisk, a tool to help people prepare for and avoid the dangers of extreme heat. HeatRisk combines weather and climate data with health information to provide a forecast and risk level for zip codes across the U.S. It also includes guidance for caregivers and medical professionals on how to help vulnerable populations stay safe in hot weather.

In Texas, prison inmates face extreme heat due to a lack of air conditioning in most facilities. A recent lawsuit alleges that these conditions constitute cruel and unusual punishment, as temperatures in these uncooled prison cells can exceed 130 degrees. The lawsuit demands that air conditioning be installed, and that prisons be maintained at a temperature below 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Advocates have filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, arguing that the lack of air conditioning in most Texas prisons constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Despite Texas’s soaring summer temperatures, many inmates live in uncooled cells that often reach triple digits, posing significant health risks and leading to numerous deaths. The lawsuit aims to declare the state’s prison policy unconstitutional and require prisons to maintain temperatures below 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has partnered with the National Weather Service to introduce new tools to help Americans stay safe during excessive heat.