Over the past three days, more than 50 people have died in India as a relentless heatwave continues to scorch parts of the country.
In the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, approximately 33 people succumbed to the extreme temperatures over the weekend.
Similarly, in Odisha (Orissa) state, about 20 people died from heat stroke, an official told the ANI news agency.
Many of these fatalities occurred on June 1, coinciding with the final phase of voting in India’s general election.
The election results are scheduled to be announced on June 4. India conducts its general election every five years during April and May.
This year, however, record-breaking temperatures have brought more frequent, intense, and prolonged heatwaves.
According to the federal health ministry, at least 56 confirmed heat stroke deaths were reported from March 1 to May 30, with around 24,849 heatstroke cases recorded during this period.
Nevertheless, state-wise figures suggest the actual death toll might be significantly higher.
In Uttar Pradesh, among the deceased were several volunteer policemen, polling officials, security guards, and sanitation staff.
Navdeep Rinwa, the state’s chief electoral officer, announced that the families of the deceased election personnel would receive monetary compensation of 1.5 million rupees ($18,000; £14,000).
Rinwa also reported that a voter collapsed in the queue and was pronounced dead upon arrival at a health facility.
In Odisha, district authorities reported 99 suspected heat stroke deaths in the past 72 hours, of which 20 have been confirmed, according to the state’s Special Relief Commissioner. Suspected heat-related deaths have also been reported from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
India’s National Centre for Disease Control describes heat strokes as a “life-threatening” condition with a mortality rate of 40-64%.
For the past two weeks, northern, central, and parts of western India have faced unrelenting heat, with maximum temperatures consistently around 45-46°C and even reaching 50°C in some areas.
However, the Indian weather department predicts a drop in temperatures in the coming days due to the onset of the monsoon.
The intense heat has also led to severe water and electricity shortages as power consumption rises.
In the capital, Delhi, videos show people scrambling for water from tankers, and many parts of the city are experiencing frequent power outages.
