Delhi, India – In the midst of a scorching heatwave, Delhi has been grappling with a tragic situation as over 40 deaths have been reported in just 24 hours, with a concerning spike in hospitalizations due to the extreme temperatures. The city has been experiencing a relentless heatwave for over a month, leading to an unprecedented surge in the number of bodies being sent for autopsy to government hospitals, particularly to DDU Hospital.
The surge in heat-related fatalities has raised alarm among healthcare professionals, who attribute the high death toll to the unbearable heatwave. In areas like Lajpat Nagar and south-west Delhi, the number of heat-related deaths has been particularly high, with seven bodies recovered in the former and two deaths recorded in the latter.
Notably, in the last 24 hours alone, more than 50 deaths have been recorded in 10 districts of Delhi, all categorized as unnatural deaths. Despite the absence of visible injuries on the bodies, the sheer volume of fatalities has prompted concerns over the impact of the ongoing heatwave on the population. Additionally, an average of 100 individuals are being admitted to hospitals daily, complaining of heat exhaustion and related conditions.
One of the hospitals at the forefront of managing heat-related cases is the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, which has seen a significant influx of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. Tragically, one patient succumbed to the heatwave at the hospital, while six others were admitted to the Heat Stroke Unit for urgent care. The hospital’s yellow zone now houses 36 individuals battling fevers exacerbated by the extreme temperatures.
Outside of Delhi, in Noida, the heatwave has also claimed lives, with seven individuals found dead within a 24-hour period due to severe heat conditions. Among the deceased was a ragpicker near Amity University, as well as a 60-year-old man in Noida Sector-1. The local authorities in Noida have been grappling with the grim reality of heat-related fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures and increased public awareness in the face of the ongoing heatwave.