Delhi Heatwave Crisis: Center Issues Advisory After 20 Deaths Due To Heat Strokes

More than 20 people have lost their lives due to heat strokes and soaring temperatures in the National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR) on Wednesday. In response to the extreme weather conditions, the Center has issued an advisory urging citizens to stay indoors as much as possible. The advisory particularly warned against exposure to direct sunlight between 12 noon and 3 pm, citing potential dangers.

Hospitals in Delhi have reported a surge in casualties and heatstroke cases. A senior police official revealed to the media that amidst the ongoing heat wave, over 26 bodies, predominantly from underprivileged socioeconomic backgrounds, have been discovered across five districts of Delhi in the past 48 hours.

One of the deceased, a 55-year-old man, was found at Children’s Park near India Gate on Wednesday. A postmortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

The NGO Centre for Holistic Development, which aids homeless individuals, reported that 192 homeless deaths were recorded due to heat waves in Delhi from June 11 to 19. At the Centre-run RML Hospital, authorities have received 22 patients in the last two days, with five deaths and 12 to 13 patients currently on ventilator support.

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A senior hospital official noted, “The victims did not have any co-morbidities. When such patients arrive at the hospital, their core body temperature is recorded. If it exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no other cause, they are diagnosed with heatstroke. Those who succumb to heatstroke are initially declared as ‘suspected heatstroke’ cases. A committee from the Delhi government later confirms the deaths.”

To ensure immediate cooling of the body, the hospital has established a specialized heatstroke unit, the first of its kind. This unit uses advanced cooling technology where patients are immersed in baths filled with ice and water. They are monitored until their body temperature drops below 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Stable patients are then moved to the ward, while others are put on a ventilator. Most of the admitted patients are laborers,” the official added.