Heatwave, power outages cause death toll to rise in India

In Uttar Pradesh state, 119 people have died from heat-related illnesses in the past few days, while Bihar state has reported 47 deaths, according to local news reports and health officials.

Many Indians were hospitalized due to record heat. Photo: ABC News

The largest hospital in Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh state is unable to take in more patients. Officials said the morgue was full after 54 people died due to the heat, all elderly people with various health problems. Some families were asked to take the bodies home as soon as possible.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), northern parts of India have seen temperatures consistently above normal, with the maximum temperature reaching 43.5 degrees Celsius.

“We have been issuing heatwave alerts for the past few days,” said Atul Kumar Singh, a scientist at IMD. Despite the warnings, government officials have not issued warnings and asked people to take precautions and cope with the heatwave.

In addition, the constant power outages in the area have left people without running water, fans and air conditioning.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the government is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted power supply. He appealed to people to cooperate and use electricity cautiously.

“Every village and every city must have adequate power supply in this scorching heat. If there are any faults, they must be addressed immediately,” he said in a statement.

Inside the Ballia District Hospital, the chaotic scene was reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic, as relatives of patients fought to get urgent medical attention. Hospitals were also unsanitary, with medical and household waste strewn everywhere.

Areas in the hospital are not air-conditioned and cooling equipment is not working due to unstable power supply. Patients’ relatives have to fan themselves or use water to cool the patients.

Officials said many more serious cases have been transferred to hospitals in larger nearby cities, while more doctors and medical resources have been sent to the district hospital to deal with the heat-induced crisis.

Climate experts say heatwaves are set to continue and India needs to be better prepared to deal with them. A study by World Weather Attribution has found that heatwaves are 30 times more likely than usual due to climate change.

Hoang Nam (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nang-nong-mat-dien-lam-tang-so-nguoi-tu-vong-benh-vien-qua-tai-o-an-do-post252390.html