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Over 300 heatstroke cases reported
New Delhi: As temperatures soar across the country, India is witnessing a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses. In Andhra Pradesh alone, over 300 suspected cases of heatstroke have been reported between March and May.
The State Health Department confirmed that from March 1 to May 19, a total of 325 suspected cases were recorded, with nearly one-third occurring after the start of May.
Heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition caused by extreme body overheating, can manifest through symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, confusion, fainting, seizures, and organ failure. Health officials have urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
Advisories and Precautions in Andhra Pradesh
The state administration has advised people to avoid stepping outdoors between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when temperatures peak and heatwave conditions are most severe.
Heatwave Threat Expands to North India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for Delhi and several parts of North India from May 22 to May 27.
Temperatures are expected to range from typical heatwave levels to severe extremes. In Delhi, two patients suffering from heatstroke have been admitted to a government hospital, and their conditions are reported to be critical.
Hospitals across the country have also seen a surge in cases of dehydration and diarrhea due to the extreme heat. Meanwhile, states such as Gujarat are grappling with water scarcity amid the rising temperatures.
Temperature Records and Historical Context
The IMD defines a heatwave in the plains as temperatures reaching 40°C or higher and exceeding the normal seasonal average by 4.5–6.4°C. Conditions become severe if temperatures rise to 45°C or more. This year, Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest temperature so far at 48°C.
By comparison, last year, over 7,000 suspected heatstroke cases and 14 deaths were reported between March and June. In 2024, during the same period, 40,000 suspected cases and 110 deaths were recorded, highlighting the growing health risks associated with rising temperatures.
