5 dead in Delhi, 15 in Noida due to heatwave-related causes

Five people died in Delhi and 15 in Noida due to heatwave-related causes in the past 72 hours as India continues to sizzle under blistering heat.

Dr Ajay Shukla of Delhi's RML hospital told ANI news agency on Wednesday that five people lost their lives due to heatstroke, while 12 people are in critical condition and on ventilators. All of them are said to be labourers.

Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital each reported one death from heatstroke. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital currently has around 36 patients admitted with heatwave-related illnesses.

At Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP), three individuals have died, including a car mechanic who was admitted with a high fever of 106 degrees on June 15 and passed away the following day, according to an India Today report.

In Noida, India Today reported quoting the city's health department that of the 15 deceased, 14 people died in the past 24 hours due to suspected heatstroke. Renu Agarwal of Noida's district hospital told India Today that the post-mortem reports are awaited to know the exact cause of their deaths.

India is experiencing one of its hottest summers this time. Multiple heat waves have pushed millions in the country to their limits and many states have reported heat-related deaths.

According to IMD, around 40 per cent of the country has recorded double the number of heat wave days than it usually does.

Meanwhile, the Met department has said that Delhi might witness light drizzle in the evening.

Also read | Sweltering heatwave broils swathes of north, east India; high night temps add to discomfort