Devastating Toll of Heatwave in Delhi: 5 More Die, Death Toll Now at 58

The scorching heatwave in Delhi has taken a devastating toll on its residents, with the death toll due to heatstroke rising to at least 58 in the national capital. The recent spike in fatalities comes as public hospitals reported five more deaths in the last 24 hours. The onset of rain in the afternoon provided some relief, bringing down temperatures in the city by several degrees. Since April, deaths attributed to extreme heat have been steadily increasing in Delhi, based on data shared by hospitals and the state government.

Safdarjung Hospital confirmed three new deaths, while two critically-ill heatstroke patients succumbed at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in the past day. The situation remains dire as public hospitals continue to witness an influx of heatstroke patients. Safdarjung hospital admitted 10 new patients, taking the total count of individuals undergoing heatstroke treatment to 26. Out of these, 14 patients are critically ill and receiving ventilator support. Since March, a total of 88 individuals have been admitted, with 66 cases reported since June 16. The hospital has reported a total of 28 heatstroke-related deaths this season.

Meanwhile, RML Hospital did not register any new cases of heatstroke in its emergency ward, signaling a potential respite due to the drop in temperature. The total number of heatstroke patients under treatment at RML stands at 30, with 24 individuals in critical condition. The hospital has seen a total of 73 admissions and 20 deaths this season. Additionally, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj highlighted that 310 people were admitted to government hospitals in the past 48 hours due to heat-related illnesses, with 14 fatalities recorded during this period.

The harsh impact of the heatwave extends beyond Delhi, with a nationwide database indicating at least 110 confirmed heatstroke deaths in the country till June 18. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha are among the worst-affected, recording significant numbers of heat-related fatalities and cases. With over 41,000 reported heatstroke cases in India since March, the dire situation highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing heatwave.