India Heatwave Claims Lives Amid National Elections
A severe heatwave continues to grip India, leading to numerous fatalities, particularly affecting poll workers during the nation's recent elections. Uttar Pradesh, one of the worst-affected states, reported at least 33 poll workers died due to intense heat on the final day of the elections, according to Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa. Families of the deceased are set to receive financial compensation of 1.5 million rupees ($18,000).
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded extreme temperatures in the region, with Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh reaching 46.9 degrees Celsius. Tragically, in the town of Ballia within the same state, a voter lost consciousness in the heat and died after being transported to a health facility.
Rising Toll of Heat-Related Deaths
Over the past two days, the death toll from heatwave symptoms in northern India has reached 87. Uttar Pradesh itself accounted for 16 of these deaths. Other states, including Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Punjab, have also reported fatalities. Health officials are investigating the exact causes of these deaths, which predominantly affected individuals in their 50s or older, suffering from pre-existing conditions like high fever, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
The intense heatwave coincides with India's general elections, a massive exercise spread over six weeks. The final phase of voting concluded recently, with results for the 543-member Federal House of Representatives expected soon. The extreme temperatures have caused severe disruptions, including water shortages and power outages across many parts of the country.
New Delhi experienced record-breaking temperatures with readings as high as 52.9 degrees Celsius, prompting investigations by meteorological authorities into possible sensor malfunctions. The IMD forecasts that the heatwave will persist until at least the end of the week.
- The southern state of Kerala has experienced a different weather pattern with the onset of the monsoon season, starting two days earlier than usual. In contrast, Pakistan, which shares a border with India, is also suffering from the effects of a relentless heatwave. A gas explosion linked to high temperatures occurred in Hyderabad, Sindh province, resulting in at least five deaths and 50 injuries. Authorities are investigating the connection between the heatwave and the explosion.
