Heat strokes killed nine people in Bihar in the last 48 hours, according to the state Disaster Management Department (DMD). In the previous 48 hours, five casualties were reported in Bhojpur, three in Arwal, and one in Jehanabad, according to a DMD statement. Speaking with PTI Bihar Disaster Management Minister Shahnawaz stated that over 22 deaths linked to heat stroke were caused by other circumstances.


Meanwhile, light rain fell in a few areas around the state, providing some relief from the sweltering heat and lowering the maximum temperature by two to three degrees Celsius.


The temperature in Aurangabad district reached 42.1 degrees Celsius, the highest in the state, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with Patna reaching 40.5 degrees.


ALSO READ | Air India Inks Agreement To Procure 490 Aircraft From Boeing, Airbus In India's Second-Largest Aviation Deal


On June 17, the temperature had risen to 45 degrees Celsius. 


Bihar is currently experiencing a searing heatwave that has broken an 11-year record.


On Monday, temperatures in numerous parts of the state reached 43 degrees Celsius or more. 


ALSO READ | Mandaviya Orders Deployment Of Central Team In UP And Bihar Amid Heatwave-Related Illnesses


Earlier today, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has directed the deployment of a team of experts from the Union health ministry, ICMR, IMD, and NDMA in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh for addressing heat-related illnesses. He also asked the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) to conduct a study to find ways to minimise the effect of the heatwaves on health, with specific action plan, reported news agency ANI.


Recognizing the importance of preparedness through awareness and early action, Mandaviya instructed the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct research on minimizing the impact of heatwaves on health. This includes developing short, medium, and long-term action plans. The Health Minister emphasized that the central government has already taken timely measures ahead of the summer to address heatwave-related illnesses, reported news agency PTI.