With temperatures soaring day-by-day in Maharashtra, official data shows that at least 303 people have been admitted to government hospitals for heat-related problems.
According to Indian Express, seven deaths have already been reported in the state due to heatstroke since March, and the second spell of heatwave forecast for Marathwada and North Central Maharashtra, the state health department has strengthened the network with health workers on the ground to tackle heatstroke-related cases. The state government’s data shows that from March 15 till May 5, two people died in Aurangabad, two in Hingoli and one each in Beed, Dhule, and Parbhani due to heatstroke.
A 35-year-old Sheshrao Jaware, on April 29, was found unconscious near the district women’s hospital in Akola and was later declared dead in the civic hospital. The cause of his death has not been officially recorded as heatstroke, even though the post-mortem report indicated this may be the case.
Dr Pradeep Awate, state epidemiologist told the Indian Express, “IMD provides us weekly alerts. Based on their input, we alert local health facilities. The intensity of summers is higher than last year. The severity of cases we receive has also risen.”
After Cyclone Fani made landfall on Odisha coast on May 3, the IMD has predicted the return of extreme heatwave from May 6 till May 8, with Vidarbha set to reel under high temperatures. Affected regions will also include Marathwada, North Maharashtra, and Central Maharashtra. IMD officials said northwesterly winds will also cause a rise in temperature.
The maximum temperatures in Parbhani and Jalna touched 42 degrees Celsius on Sunday. While according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature in Mumbai reached 33.7 (Colaba) on Monday.
