No respite from searing heat, 33 lead across northwest, central India

On Thursday, a slight decrease in the maximum temperatures was observed across vast regions of northwest and central India. Despite this, the heat remained oppressive, with temperatures soaring above 47 degrees Celsius in areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Meanwhile, extreme temperatures have been linked to the deaths of at least 33 individuals in Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Jharkhand, all of whom suffered from symptoms associated with the heatwave.

In Jharkhand, the Palamu district recorded the state's highest temperature at 47.4 degrees Celsius and witnessed the heatrelated deaths of four people, including a woman.

In Rajasthan, the government has reported five fatalities due to the heatwave, countering media claims of a higher death toll. Dr Ravi Prakash Mathur, Director of Public Health, assured that the situation is under control thanks to proactive measures initiated by the health department in March.

Bihar also faced severe heatwave conditions and witnessed 24 deaths, with temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius in several areas. The deaths occurred in the districts of Arwal, Buxar, Rohtas, Aurangabad, and Begusarai In just two hours, 16 people died due to heat-related causes at the district hospital in Aurangabad, Bihar. Visuals showed family members of the deceased crying at the hospital. A doctor reported that at least 35 more patients have been admitted for heat-related causes, but all arrangements are in place.