Extreme heatwaves in Delhi-NCR have claimed the lives of over 10 people in the last three days and at least 12 are on life support. With no respite in sight, Union Health Minister JP Nadda directed for “special heatwave units” to be started in the central government hospitals.
Nadda, on Tuesday, reviewed the heatwave situation and preparedness of the Central government hospitals.
He also directed the officials to ensure that all hospitals are prepared for providing the best healthcare to those affected from heatwave.
Blistering heat has swept most parts of India. Amid this, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over several parts of North India on Wednesday and gradually abate thereafter due to an approaching western disturbance towards northwest India.
Heatwave deaths in Delhi-NCR
Five deaths due to suspected heat stroke have been reported in Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia, ANI said. Also, at least 12 people, mostly daily wage labourers are said to be in a critical condition, battling for their lives on ventilator support.
Dr Ajay Shukla, medical superintendent at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in Delhi, informed that 22 people had been admitted after they suffered a heat stroke.
“A total of 22 patients have been admitted to the hospital and five have lost their lives due to suspected heat stroke. Twelve patients are on ventilators and in critical situations. The majority of patients are labourers who work in extreme conditions,” Dr Shukla said.
The doctor also warned that the mortality rate in heatstroke cases is quite high, about 60-70 per cent.
“If the patient is brought late to the hospital, one organ after the other starts failing. There is a lack of awareness. A lot of these patients are migrant labourers. Also, the symptoms (of heatstroke) can be easily missed or mistaken for something else. It’s only when patients faint that their relatives feel that hospitalisation is needed,” Dr Shukla said.
Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours at least seven people have died in different parts of Noida without any visible signs of injury amid a heat wave, a PTI report said.
Police on Tuesday noted that the cause of death is yet to be ascertained. On chances of heat waves causing these deaths, a police spokesperson said they are “actively investigating” these cases and have initiated necessary legal proceedings.
When will it rain in Delhi?
The IMD has predicted that monsoon is expected to hit the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on June 30.
“In Delhi-NCR, the temperature is expected to be around 40 degrees Celcius. Monsoon is expected to hit Delhi-NCR around June 30. Even today, we can expect dust storms and light-intensity rainfall activity in Delhi,” IMD scientist Dr. Naresh Kumar was quoted as saying by ANI.
With inputs from agencies
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10 heat related deaths in Delhi-NCR, JP Nadda directs special heatwave units in central hospital
