As northern states in India endure an intense heatwave, more than 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke have been reported nationwide this summer.
Millions across Asia are facing severe heatwaves this summer, exacerbated by human-induced climate change, with temperatures in northern India soaring to nearly 50 degrees Celsius during one of the longest recorded heatwave periods.
Northern India has seen a significant rise in heat-related illnesses across states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. In some areas, reports emerged of birds falling from the sky, affected by dehydration caused by the intense heat.
With daytime and nighttime temperatures consistently higher than usual, hospitals are seeing a surge in patients due to heat-related issues.
In one of Delhi’s largest hospitals, a physician said that he had never witnessed such a situation before.
“In my 13 years of working here, I don’t remember signing a death certificate for heat stroke. This year, I’ve signed several,” says Ajay Chauhan of the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RMLH).