Heatstroke Claims 46 Lives In May: Govt Data

India has reported 56 confirmed heatstroke deaths over the past three months, with 46 fatalities occurring in May alone, according to government data. These heat spells coincided with the Lok Sabha elections held between April 19 and June 1.

Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of deaths at 14, followed by Maharashtra with 11, Andhra Pradesh with 6, and Rajasthan with 5. The Centre tracks heat-related cases and deaths through the National Heat-Related Illnesses and Death Surveillance.

Since March 1, 24,849 heatstroke cases have been reported, with 19,189 cases in May. Madhya Pradesh leads with 6,584 cases, followed by Rajasthan with 4,357, Andhra Pradesh with 3,239, Chhattisgarh with 2,418, Jharkhand with 2,077, and Odisha with 1,998.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded two intense spells of humid heat in April. The first, between April 5 and 7, affected east and southeast Peninsular India. The second, from April 15 to 30, impacted Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and South Peninsular India.

In May, two more intense heat spells were observed. Between May 1 and 7, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and parts of Peninsular India were affected. From May 16 to 26, Rajasthan experienced 9-12 severe heatwave days with temperatures nearing 50°C.

Meteorologists noted that during these heat spells, relative humidity in coastal areas over east India was over 50%, and around 20-30% in northwest India. Humid heat can have severe health impacts.

At wet-bulb temperatures above 35°C, even fit individuals can overheat and potentially die within six hours. Lower values also have serious health impacts.

People with chronic heart, lung, and kidney conditions, obesity, the elderly, young children, and those on certain medications are at high risk. In May, 605 cardiovascular deaths were linked to the intense heat spells.

Experts identify two kinds of heat strokes: exertional and non-exertional. Exertional occurs in a few hours during strenuous activity in hot conditions, while non-exertional happens over several days of heat exposure.

Doctors stress that heatstroke is a medical emergency. Measures such as moving the person to shade, applying cold showers, or placing wet towels can prevent loss of life. Avoiding direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours, is also advised.

Dr. Rommel Tickoo advises avoiding the sun between 10am and 4pm. Drinking water, carrying a water bottle, and consuming buttermilk, coconut water, or lime water helps maintain hydration and replenish lost salts and minerals.