Centre Releases Pan-Indian Data On Heatwave Deaths As Fatalities In Delhi Rise To 53

Heatwave In India: The Centre's data on heatwave-related deaths will be updated as figures from several states are yet to be collated.

A woman suffering from heat-related illness being brought to LNJP Hospital for treatment on June 20.

Source : PTI

The unprecedented extreme heatwave in India has taken a heavy toll on the country. A recent Health Ministry report put the number of casualties due to the heatwave between March 1 and June 18 at a little over 100. However, the toll is much higher and will have to be updated as data from all the states are yet to be collated.

As per a report by news agency PTI, the Union Health Ministry pegged the number of heatwave-related deaths at 114. However, the eastern state of Odisha alone reported over 150 deaths, according to various news reports. However, confirmation on the causes of death in some of the cases is pending. 

The Centre's data mentioned that according to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest number of casualties at 37, followed by Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha, reported PTI. 

Delhi Records 53 Heatwave-Related Deaths

This has been a long heatwave spell, especially in the country's northern, northwestern, and eastern parts. The country's capital, Delhi, alone recorded at least 53 deaths, according to a report by Hindustan Times. The report said that this was the first official confirmation of the heatwave toll in Delhi.

Centre's Heatwave Directives 

Newly appointed Union Health Minister J P Nadda has instructed officials to inspect Central government hospitals to ensure special heatwave units are arranged at every facility to cater to such patients.

Recent data as of June 19 confirms four deaths due to heatstroke and seven suspected cases, underscoring the critical situation. In response, the Health Ministry has directed all Central government hospitals to establish special units for heatwave-related illnesses. Minister Nadda emphasized the importance of hospital preparedness during his nationwide review of the crisis.

The Health Ministry has also issued guidelines to promptly report daily cases of heatstroke and related fatalities since March 1. The Centre has asked hospitals to maintain digital records of such cases and be prepared with essential supplies like ORS packs, IV fluids, and cooling equipment.

The Centre has also ordered the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings early to health facilities and vulnerable communities. It also called for measures to enhance indoor cooling at health facilities, ensure uninterrupted power supply, and implement energy-saving practices,