Odisha Reports 5 Deaths, 18 Suspected Diphtheria Cases: Official

Five individuals have died, and approximately a dozen are in critical condition due to suspected heatstroke, as per a senior medical officer at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Dr. Ajay Shukla, the hospital’s medical superintendent, noted that 22 patients, primarily labourers, were hospitalized in the past two days with suspected heatstroke.

Dr. Shukla highlighted the vulnerability of labourers to heatwave conditions, citing delayed hospital arrivals as a major factor contributing to mortality rates. He stated, “Most patients lose their lives because it is too late to start cooling them down. The mortality rate is very high as well, around 60-70 per cent. Delays can cause a lot of deaths.”

Since the onset of the heatwave, the hospital has treated around 45-50 affected patients, with approximately 7 fatalities, according to Dr. Shukla. Additionally, media reports indicated that 10 individuals died in Noida within the last 24 hours due to heatstroke.

The scorching temperatures in Delhi, coupled with a water crisis, have heightened vulnerability, especially among the labouring population, to heat-related illnesses. The Indian Meteorological Department issued a red alert for the national capital, urging people to limit outdoor exposure.

In response to the heatwave’s impacts, calls have arisen for a comprehensive heat action plan to address climate change and escalating temperatures.