Bihar: Heatwave Claims 60 Lives In Past 24 Hours, Raises Concerns For June 1 Elections

In the past 24 hours, extreme heat and heatwave have claimed the lives of over 60 people in Bihar. Aurangabad district alone recorded 15 fatalities, with temperatures soaring above 46 degrees. Additionally, 11 individuals lost their lives in Patna district. The final phase of voting in Bihar is scheduled for June 1, involving eight seats. Among the casualties, including security personnel, ten people perished while on election duty. However, rain in several areas on Thursday night provided relief to the residents.

The heatwave has resulted in the highest number of fatalities in Aurangabad, Bihar. The temperature in Aurangabad has ranged between 45 to 48 degrees Celsius for the past week, with Thursday recording a temperature of 46.1 degrees Celsius. According to Aurangabad Medical Officer Abhishek Kumar, approximately 200 patients fell victim to heatstroke in a single day and received treatment. The arrival of heatstroke patients caused chaos in the area.

Heatwave Is Creating Panic Amongst People

After the arrival of heatstroke patients, chaos ensued. District Magistrate Shrikant Shastri, Civil Surgeon Ravi Bhushan Srivastava, DPM Mohd Anwar Alam, Hospital Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Singh, and Hospital Manager observed the admitted patients at Sadar Hospital. The District Magistrate issued several instructions. The Hospital Deputy Superintendent mentioned that the district is facing a dire situation due to rising temperatures. However, the hospital is equipped to handle Indian patients suffering from heatstroke, and the management is dedicated to addressing every challenge. He reported that 8 patients succumbed during treatment, while 7 were declared dead upon arrival, bringing the total death toll to 15. Additionally, 11 individuals lost their lives in Patna district, including a polling worker and two women who died from heatstroke at different locations in Patna. Furthermore, three people lost their lives in floods - two in Digha, two in Danapur, and two in Masaurhi.

In addition to this, 10 individuals lost their lives in Bhojpur, eight in Rohtas, five in Kaimur, four in Gaya, two in Muzaffarpur, two in Begusarai, two in Sheikhpura, and one each in Jamui and Saran.

Rainfall occurred in many areas of Bihar on Thursday. According to the Meteorological Department, moist Purva winds are expected to blow from June 1, providing some relief from the heat to the people. Buxar experienced the highest temperature on Thursday, reaching 47.1 degrees Celsius.

Also Read: Heatwave Claims 12 Lives In Bihar, 2 In Madhya Pradesh Amid Rising Temperatures