India Is Likely Underreporting Heat-Related Deaths, Says Former Who Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan.

India is likely undercounting heat-related deaths due to a lack of robust data, but efforts are underway to improve surveillance and mitigate the health impact of extreme weather, says former WHO chief scientist and health ministry advisor Soumya Swaminathan. Speaking at TERI's World Sustainable Development Summit, she emphasized the urgent need for better tracking, preparedness, and policy interventions as the country braces for another extreme summer.

Swaminathan acknowledged that accurate records of heat-related deaths are lacking, requiring estimations and modeling. Scientific studies tracking "excess deaths" suggest heat waves contribute to significant mortality spikes. Last summer, India recorded 536 heatwave days-the highest in 14 years-along with 41,789 suspected heat stroke cases and 143 heat-related deaths, though experts believe these numbers are underreported.

With above-normal temperatures expected again, the health ministry has introduced heat-related death surveillance. However, Swaminathan cautioned that fatalities are just "the tip of the iceberg." Many more people suffer from conditions worsened by extreme heat, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and heat exhaustion, leading to productivity and economic losses.

Beyond physical health, Swaminathan highlighted the mental health impact of prolonged heat exposure, linking it to increased suicides, worsening psychiatric conditions, and a rise in domestic violence. She stressed the need for measures to ensure both survival and thermal comfort to protect public health and well-being.