An intense heatwave has gripped several parts of north India leaving behind a trail of death. As per news reports, around 100 people have allegedly died due to heatwave in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Of these, 48 deaths are being reported from Bihar.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has today, June 19, issued a fresh heatwave ‘red-alert’ in six districts of Bihar. The met department mentioned that there is a very high likelihood of developing heat illness and heat stroke in all ages.
Also Read: Feeling The Heat
Further it added that extreme care is needed for vulnerable people as extreme heat wave will persist with no relief as monsoon showers continue to evade.
In the last 44 hours, Sheikhpura in Bihar saw the highest maximum temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius, while Patna witnessed 43.6 degrees Celsius, which is several degrees higher than the normal.
Authorities have stated that the maximum temperature is unlikely to drop in the next 48 hours and have also urged people to stay indoors and avoid spending long periods of time in the sun.
As per reports, in Bihar, out of 44 deaths, 35 have died in Patna alone – 19 patients died in Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), and 16 in PMCH. Nine people have died in other districts of the state. Meanwhile, the district administration has ordered all schools in Patna to be shut till June 24.
As per daily weather bulletin issued by IMD, yesterday (June 18) the maximum temperatures were in the range of 42-44°C over parts of Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and East Uttar Pradesh. There will be ‘Heat Wave to Severe Heat Wave’ conditions in many parts of East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand and it is likely to continue during the next two to three days.
Also Read: Rural residents in Bihar learn about heatwave preparedness and early response
Here’s how to protect yourself during the heatwave
- IMD has stated that the current weather conditions increase the risk of heat strokes and to avoid that we have to take proper precautions to stay safe:
- Stay indoors.
- Drink lots of fluids. Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk to keep yourself hydrated.
- Take showers.
- Wear lightweight cotton clothes.
- Cover your head with a wet towel or spray bottle.
