The scorching heatwave gripping Delhi has reached unprecedented levels, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Amidst the relentless onslaught of soaring temperatures, the city has witnessed a surge in fatalities and hospitalizations due to heat-related illnesses. According to official figures, at least half a dozen individuals have succumbed to the heatwave, while a staggering 12 more remain on life support. Hospitals across the city are overwhelmed with patients suffering from severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The relentless heat has taken a particularly heavy toll on the elderly, the young, and those with underlying health conditions. Many have been forced to seek refuge in air-conditioned spaces, while others have taken to the streets in search of any respite from the unbearable heat. The situation is compounded by the city’s deteriorating air quality, which has further exacerbated the effects of the heatwave. Smog and pollutants trap hot air, creating a suffocating environment that makes it difficult for people to breathe. Authorities have issued warnings urging residents to stay indoors, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid strenuous activity during the peak heat hours. However, for many, particularly those who live in crowded slums or work in outdoor jobs, finding escape from the heat is virtually impossible. As the heatwave continues to rage unabated, residents of Delhi are living in fear and desperation. The unrelenting heat has become a relentless adversary, threatening lives and shattering the city’s resilience.Heatstroke Cases Rise in Delhi Amid Ongoing Heatwave
Heatstroke Cases Rise in Delhi Amid Ongoing Heatwave In response to the increasing number of heatstroke cases in north India due to the ongoing heatwave, the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to central government hospitals to prioritize the treatment of heatstroke patients. The state-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi has admitted 45 patients with heat-related problems since May 27. Nine deaths have been reported from such problems since then, with seven occurring in the past two days. Other hospitals in Delhi are also seeing a surge in heatstroke admissions. Dr. Ajay Shukla, medical superintendent of the state hospital, highlighted the high mortality rate of heatstroke, estimated at around 60-70%. He emphasized the need for timely medical intervention and public awareness about heatstroke symptoms. Dr. Shukla stressed the importance of initial cooling measures before seeking medical attention. He advised using water and ice to cool the affected person while transporting them to the hospital. Ambulances have been equipped to provide immediate cooling upon reaching patients. Delhi residents have been experiencing a prolonged heatwave for almost a month. Minimum temperatures have exceeded 35 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures have remained around 45 degrees Celsius. Tap water is often hot throughout the day, and air conditioners struggle to provide respite. The weather bureau predicts the heatwave to persist in most parts of north India for the next 24 hours before subsiding. Rajneesh Sareen of the Center for Science and Environment attributes abnormally warm nights to urbanization and construction in major cities like Delhi. Concrete buildings absorb heat during the day and release it at night, contributing to rising minimum temperatures. Sareen urges a reduction in concrete usage and an increase in green cover to mitigate heat island effects and improve wind movement.
With temperatures soaring relentlessly, Delhi continues to grapple with an unrelenting heatwave that has claimed the lives of over half a dozen individuals and left more than a dozen others clinging to life on ventilators. The city has been experiencing scorching conditions for the past week, with temperatures touching 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). The relentless heat has taken a toll on the city’s residents, particularly the elderly, the young, and those with underlying health conditions. According to officials, the heatwave has caused a spike in the number of heat-related illnesses. Hospitals across the city are reporting a surge in cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. In a bid to mitigate the impact of the heatwave, the Delhi government has issued a series of advisories. Residents have been urged to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid strenuous activities. The government has also set up cooling centers across the city, where residents can seek respite from the heat. However, these centers are often overcrowded and unable to meet the needs of the growing number of people seeking relief. As the heatwave persists, concerns are mounting over its potential long-term health consequences. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to a range of serious health issues, including heatstroke, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. Experts are urging the public to take precautions against the heat and to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any heat-related symptoms. The heatwave is expected to continue for several more days, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and take all necessary measures to protect their health.
