Delhi Heatwave: 5 Dead, 12 Critical as Heatwave Continues in Delhi Without End

Many hospitals in Delhi are currently experiencing a high number of admissions due to heatstroke cases. Dr. Ajay Shukla, the medical superintendent of a state-run hospital, informed NDTV that 22 individuals have been admitted for heatstroke, with five of them succumbing to the condition.

He also noted that 12 or 13 patients are currently on ventilator support, emphasizing the high mortality rate associated with heatstroke cases, which is around 60-70%. Dr. Shukla expressed concern about the lack of awareness regarding heatstroke and highlighted that migrant laborers are among the affected individuals.

He stressed the importance of recognizing the symptoms of heatstroke, as they can often be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions until the patients faint, prompting the need for hospitalization. Dr. Shukla underscored the necessity of raising awareness about heatstroke, emphasizing the importance of immediate cooling measures at the onset of symptoms, rather than solely relying on hospitalization.

He suggested using water and ice to cool affected individuals while transporting them to the hospital and mentioned that ambulances have been equipped to provide immediate cooling upon reaching the patients. Delhi residents have been enduring an intense heatwave for nearly a month, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, well above the normal range, and reaching a maximum of around 45 degrees Celsius.

The prevailing conditions have made tap water hot throughout the day, and even air-conditioners are struggling to provide relief. The weather office has forecasted that the heatwave is likely to persist over most parts of North India for the next 24 hours before gradually subsiding.