At least 15 people have succumbed to suspected heatstroke in the eastern states of Bihar and Odisha, India, as a debilitating heatwave grips the region. The heatwave, which is expected to persist until June 1, has led to severe conditions, according to local authorities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that while temperatures in northwestern and central India are expected to decrease, the eastern region will continue to experience the heatwave for the next two days. The IMD defines a heatwave as a situation where the temperature is 4.5ºC to 6.4ºC above the norm.
On Thursday, ten deaths were reported at a government hospital in Odisha’s Rourkela region, authorities told Reuters. Additionally, five deaths due to “sunstroke” were confirmed in Bihar’s Aurangabad city.
Aurangabad District Collector Shrikant Shastree mentioned, “About seven more people died on their way to the hospital yesterday but the exact cause of their death will be known after the autopsy.”
Local media also reported three deaths from suspected heatstroke in Jharkhand state, which borders Bihar.
In Delhi, where temperatures are expected to reach 43ºC on Friday, the city recorded its first heat-related death this week. The capital is also struggling with an acute water shortage.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Remal has battered the northeastern states of Manipur and Assam, leading to widespread flooding on Friday. The monsoon rains also arrived in Kerala on Thursday, two days earlier than anticipated.