As per the reports nearly 15 people have died of suspected heatstroke in Bihar and Odisha as a debilitating heatwave continues to grip the region. The heatwave is expected to persist until Saturday. India has been experiencing a scorching summer, with a part of Delhi recording a temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius (127.22°F) this week. The weather department is checking the sensors of the weather station that registered this reading.
While temperatures in northwestern and central India are expected to drop, the heatwave in eastern India will likely continue for two more days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Authorities reported that 10 people died in Odisha’s Rourkela region and five people in Bihar’s Aurangabad city due to sunstroke. Aurangabad District Collector Shrikant Shastree mentioned that about seven more people died on their way to the hospital, with autopsies pending to confirm the cause.
The Odisha government has banned outdoor activities for its employees between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. due to peak temperatures. Additionally, local media reported three suspected heatstroke deaths in Jharkhand, neighboring Bihar.
In Delhi, the high temperatures have caused birds and wild monkeys to faint or fall sick. The city zoo is using pools and sprinklers to help its 1,200 animals cope with the heat. The zoo director, Sanjeet Kumar, stated they have switched to a summer diet with more liquids and seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Delhi recorded its first heat-related death this week and is facing a severe water shortage. The temperature is expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius on Friday. The extreme heat in India and neighboring countries like Pakistan has been exacerbated by human-driven climate change. India, currently holding national elections, is the world’s third-biggest greenhouse gas emitter but aims to become net-zero by 2070.
Meanwhile, northeastern states Manipur and Assam have been hit by heavy rainfall from Cyclone Remal, causing widespread flooding. Monsoon rains also reached Kerala earlier than expected.
