Heatwave Scare In India: Atleast 5 people have died in the national capital in the past 72 hours as Delhi continues to reel under a severe heatwave. The victims died of heatstroke at three hospitals, according to the reports.
In Noida, too, more than 14 people have died in the last 24 hours due to suspected heat stroke, the health department said. However, the exact cause of death will only be known after post-mortem reports, said Renu Agarwal of Noida’s district hospital.
Understanding The Affects of Heatwaves
Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, which can have detrimental effects on human health, particularly the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. The intensity and frequency of heatwaves have been increasing due to climate change, making it essential to address this issue proactively.
Global warming and heatwaves
The primary cause of the heatwave in Delhi is the dry and warm westerly winds from Rajasthan and southern Haryana. These winds persist overnight, leading to higher night-time temperatures. Additionally, a western disturbance has resulted in partly cloudy skies, which prevent night-time cooling and intensify daytime heat.
Meanwhile, climate scientists attribute the prolonged heatwave to global warming, which is expected to lead to more frequent, longer, and stronger heatwaves in the future. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the world is likely to cross the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold in the next five years, further exacerbating the situation.
Deaths due to heatwave
The ongoing heatwave in India has claimed several lives across several states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand.
In Uttar Pradesh, 13 people are suspected to have died from heatstroke in Mirzapur district, including 7 home guard jawans, three sanitation workers, and others.
Heatwave In India: Response of the Government
With the gravity of the situation hitting hard, the government speedily issued alerts and warnings about the heightened risk of extended exposure to blazing temperatures. Adding to that, authorities are working on setting up cool shelters across the regions to offer some relief to those affected. They have also encouraged individuals to remain hydrated and advised against stepping out during the afternoon hours.
How To Stay Safe From Heatwave?
As the heatwave hangs on, proactive precautions are crucial for everyone to maintain their health in check. Helpful measures include staying in, particularly during afternoon hours, donning light clothes, drinking plenty of fluids, and steering clear of physically demanding tasks under the sun.
Speaking to TheHealthWire.com, Dr Shrijeeta Banerjee, said that the number of people suffering from the heatwave has increased more than twice in the last month. He said most of those affected were rickshaw pullers or daily labourers.
However, Delhi and its adjoining areas may see interim relief from the persistent heat due to an ongoing western disturbance in the next 24–48 hours.
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