Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India – As the scorching temperatures gripped India, at least 33 polling staff members tragically succumbed to heatstroke on the last day of voting in a single state, revealing the devastating impact of the intense heatwave that has swept across the country. Reports of multiple deaths due to the extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 113°F in many regions, underscore the grave consequences faced by election workers.
Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa of Uttar Pradesh disclosed that the deaths of 33 polling personnel, including security guards and sanitation staff, were attributed to the oppressive heat as the state concluded voting in its seventh and final election stage. The India Meteorological Department reported that temperatures spiked to 116°F in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the intense heat wave conditions.
In response to the tragic loss of lives, Rinwa announced that the families of the deceased would receive monetary compensation of 1.5 million rupees ($18,000). Additionally, a separate incident saw a voter in Ballia collapse while waiting in line to cast his ballot, underscoring the dangerous impact of dehydration and extreme heat exposure.
Experts emphasize that dehydration and prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to thickening of the blood and organ failure. With India facing searing summer temperatures exacerbated by climate change, heatwaves have become increasingly prolonged, frequent, and intense.
Incumbent Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears poised to secure a third consecutive election victory following the conclusion of voting. Exit polls indicate a significant lead for Modi, with the official results slated for announcement on Tuesday, solidifying his political dominance in the country.
As India grapples with the aftermath of the elections and mourns the tragic loss of polling staff to heatstroke, the nation must confront the escalating impact of climate change on its population amid soaring temperatures and extreme weather events. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the growing environmental challenges facing India and the world at large.