Heatwave: Over 30 deaths in 24 hrs, Hundreds admitted in hospitals

The continued spell of severe heat wave has claimed at least 34 lives in Delhi in the last 24 hours. The total count of heat stroke related deaths in the city has now gone up to 49.

Of the 34 fresh heat-related deaths, 13 were reported from the Centre-run Safdarjung and 7 from RML hospitals, and 14 from other city-government-run hospitals.

About 300 other patients suffering from heat-related ailments are undergoing treatment at various city hospitals. Of the 32 patients admitted at RML hospital, 26 are on the life-support system.

Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said that out of 310 heat stroke patients admitted to various city government-run hospitals, 112 have been discharged. “The condition of the remaining patients is stable,” he added. 

As Delhi has been battling searing heat wave conditions over the last week, hospitals have seen a rise in the number of casualties and patients owing to heatstroke.

The Centre for Holistic Development, an NGO working for the homeless, claimed that 192 homeless deaths were recorded in Delhi during the heat wave from June 11 to 19. Officials, however, could not confirm if the deaths were related to heat stroke.