Heatwave in U.P. and Bihar kill nearly 100 die as India struggles with a sweltering

This environment/weather/other states/national news by The Hindu reported on at least 96 people died in India’s Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, officials said on June 18, with swaths of the country reeling from a sweltering heatwave.

At least 96 people died in two of India's most populous States, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, over the last several days, officials said on June 18, with swaths of the country reeling from a sweltering heatwave.

The deaths happened in northern State of Uttar Pradesh and eastern Bihar where authorities warned residents over 60 and others suffering various maladies to stay indoors during the daytime.

All the fatalities in Uttar Pradesh, totaling 54, were reported in Ballia district, some 300 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Lucknow, the State capital. Authorities found out most of those who passed away were over 60 years old and had preexisting health conditions, which may have been exacerbated by the intense heat.

S. K. Yadav, a medical officer in Ballia, said in the past three days, some 300 patients were admitted to the district hospital for various ailments aggravated by heat.

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Due to the gravity of the situation, authorities canceled leave applications of medical personnel in Ballia and provided additional hospital beds in the emergency ward to accommodate the influx of patients.

Officials said most of the admitted patients are aged 60 and above, exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties and heart-related issues.