New Delhi: As the mercury soars across North India, several states are grappling with severe heat. Tragically, at least 40 people have lost their lives due to the scorching temperatures. Among the victims are 25 employees deployed for the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Additionally, more than 1,300 individuals have been hospitalized due to heat stroke.
Statewise Casualties:
- Odisha: Ten fatalities reported.
- Bihar: Eight lives lost.
- Jharkhand: Four deaths.
- Uttar Pradesh: One person succumbed to the extreme heat.
- Rajasthan: Five fatalities recorded so far.
- Total: Seventeen deaths in Uttar Pradesh and fourteen in Bihar.
Water Crisis Intensifies:
The rising temperatures have exacerbated water scarcity in parts of the country, including Delhi. Residents are enduring long queues to secure their daily water supply. Vibha Devi, a Geeta Colony resident, shared her struggle: “I’ve been waiting in line since 4 a.m., but the crowds make it impossible to reach the water tanker. It’s a challenging situation.”
Record-Breaking Temperatures:
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Kanpur (IAF) weather station recorded a staggering 48.2 degrees Celsius—the highest temperature in the country. Sirsa in Haryana followed closely with 47.8 degrees Celsius. Ayanagar, Delhi, experienced a scorching 47 degrees Celsius.
Heat Wave Conditions Persist:
The IMD has issued warnings for severe heatwave conditions in several states:
- Rajasthan
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Parts of Uttar Pradesh
- Parts of Bihar
- Eastern Madhya Pradesh
- Odisha
- Some parts of Jharkhand
Heat wave-like conditions also prevail in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi. However, relief is expected in the next two to three days.
Tragedy Strikes Election Workers:
In Uttar Pradesh, at least 15 election workers have tragically lost their lives, possibly due to the heat wave. The seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for Saturday in 13 seats, including Sonbhadra district and Mirzapur. Dr. Raj Bahadur Kamal, principal of Maa Vindhyavasini Autonomous State Medical College in Mirzapur, reported that 13 election workers died in the hospital. Among the deceased are seven home guard jawans, three sanitation workers, a clerk from the Chief Medical Officer’s office, a consolidation officer, and a Home Guard worker. They were admitted with complaints of high fever and high blood pressure.
Bihar’s Toll:
Two election workers in Sonbhadra district lost their lives due to severe heat, while nine others are receiving treatment. Bihar, which heads to the polls on eight Lok Sabha seats, has witnessed 14 heat-related deaths in the past two days. Rohtas reported three election officials’ deaths, while Kaimur and Aurangabad districts each lost one official. Additionally, four other individuals succumbed to the extreme temperatures. As a precautionary measure, all schools, coaching institutes, and Anganwadi centers in Bihar have been closed until June 8.
Stay Indoors, Urges Odisha Government:
With temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius and high humidity levels in 13 places, the Odisha state government has advised residents to stay indoors. The heatwave continues to pose a serious threat to public health.
