Delhi Heatwave Claims 22 Lives in 24 Hours
In the past 24 hours, Delhi has reported at least 22 deaths due to suspected heat-related illnesses at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and LNJP Hospital. The city has been enduring extreme temperatures for several days, leading to a significant increase in heatstroke cases and casualties.
Safdarjung Hospital officials reported 33 patients admitted for heat-related illnesses, with 13 deaths in the last 24 hours. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital received 22 patients with suspected heatstroke, resulting in four deaths. LNJP Hospital admitted 17 patients to its casualty ward, with five deaths reported in the same period.
The city’s main crematorium, Nigambodh Ghat, has also seen a notable increase in the number of cremations. On Wednesday, 142 bodies were brought in for cremation, significantly higher than the usual daily average of 50-60 bodies. The previous day, 97 bodies were cremated. While officials could not confirm if all these deaths were heatstroke-related, the surge aligns with the ongoing heatwave.
Despite a brief respite from light rain on Thursday morning, medical experts continue to warn about the severe risk of heatstroke as temperatures remain high.
