As northwestern states in India continue to endure a brutal heatwave, over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases have been reported nationwide this summer, according to Reuters. The intense heatwave has claimed the lives of over 100 people across India, while parts of the northeastern states are contending with heavy rains, landslides, and floods.
Billions of people across Asia are struggling with extreme heat this summer, a trend that scientists attribute to human-driven climate change. In north India, temperatures have soared to nearly 50 degrees Celsius, marking one of the longest recorded heatwave spells.
The prolonged heatwave in northern India has led to a significant rise in heat-related illnesses in states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. In some areas, birds have been reported falling from the sky due to dehydration caused by the heat.
With both day and night temperatures remaining well above normal in northwestern India, hospitals are experiencing an increased number of patients suffering from heat-related conditions.
A health ministry official reported more than 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases and at least 110 confirmed deaths between March 1 and June 18, as northwest and eastern India recorded twice the usual number of heatwave days, Reuters reported.
In May, Madhya Pradesh reported more than 5,200 cases of heatstroke, while Rajasthan recorded over 4,300 cases last month. During the same period, Delhi witnessed around 20 deaths due to heat-related issues, with Noida reporting 14 deaths.
Amid the severe heatwave conditions and rising heat-related casualties, Union Health Minister JP Nadda conducted a review of the situation nationwide and the preparedness of hospitals to handle heatwaves alongside senior officials of the Health Ministry.
“Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the heatwave situation across the country and preparedness of hospitals to deal with heatwave with senior officials of the Health Ministry, here today,” stated a press release.
In another development, floods and landslides triggered by continuous rainfall in Assam claimed the lives of at least six people on Tuesday night. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a rainfall alert for northeastern states including Manipur, Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh for this week.
In Assam, over 160,000 people were impacted as floodwaters exceeded the danger mark in the Kopili River, one of the Brahmaputra River’s largest tributaries and among India’s major rivers.