In the midst of a scorching heatwave gripping northern India, the district hospital in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has been struck by tragedy as the death toll rises to 68. Fourteen more fatalities occurred in the last 24 hours alone, with patients succumbing to various ailments aggravated by the extreme temperatures. While the national capital of Delhi experienced some relief through rainfall, the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, particularly Ballia, continues to bear the brunt of the soaring heat.
Dr. Jayant Kumar, the chief medical officer of Ballia, confirmed that 178 individuals were admitted to the district hospital on June 18, and out of this number, 14 patients tragically lost their lives in the past day. These individuals had been suffering from pre-existing medical conditions, which were further exacerbated by the oppressive heat. Dr. Kumar assured that additional coolers and fans have been arranged, and a team from Lucknow is investigating the situation. The team has collected blood and urine samples from patients for testing, and a clearer picture of the situation is expected upon receiving the test results.
Taking note of the dire circumstances, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting to assess the heatwave conditions prevailing in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized the importance of implementing concrete arrangements at all levels to safeguard the well-being of the general public, livestock, and wildlife. Adityanath’s directive underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing heatwave.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar cleverly evaded questions from reporters about the Uniform Civil Code, using the heatwave as an excuse. He commented, “Bahut garmi hai…sab baat hoga baad mein, abhi bahut garmi hai” (It’s too hot. Let us talk about all matters later). The sweltering temperatures in the region have undoubtedly become a pressing concern, affecting both daily life and public discourse.
Fortunately, the national capital, Delhi, experienced some respite from the heatwave with the arrival of rainfall on Monday. The local government officials revealed that Delhi’s heat action plan has been prepared and is set to be submitted to the central government. This comprehensive plan aims to address the challenges posed by extreme heat and ensure the well-being of the residents.
Additionally, West Bengal, which had been grappling with intense heatwave conditions, received relief as the southwest monsoon finally arrived in several districts. Areas such as North and South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Nadia, Hooghly, Murshidabad, Birbhum, and Purba Bardhaman witnessed the onset of the monsoon, bringing a much-needed respite from the relentless heat.
As the heatwave continues to affect various parts of northern India, authorities at both the state and central levels must take immediate and coordinated actions to protect the vulnerable populations and ensure adequate measures are in place to mitigate the effects of extreme weather conditions. Public awareness campaigns and the provision of necessary resources will play a crucial role in preventing further loss of life and minimizing the impact of the ongoing heatwave.
Sources By Agencies
