Around 50 dead in Bihar due to heat wave

Intense heat wave has resulted in the deaths of 12 people in Indian state of Bihar’s Gaya. Elsewhere in the state, at least 50 people died of heat wave, reports The Statesman. 

Reports say that more than 100 were hospitalised in the past 24 hours in Bihar due to the intense heat conditions.

Besides Gaya, the cities were heat wave conditions wreaked havoc are Nawada and Aurangabad.

Temperature in Patna hovered at 45 degrees Celsius on Sunday as residents tried to beat the heat.

Reports citing meteorological department said that Patna recorded its highest maximum temperature in the past 10 years.

“Out of the 12, 7 were from Gaya, 2 from Aurangabad, 1 from Chatra, 1 from Sheikhpura and 1 from Nawada. Twenty-five patients are admitted here, efforts on to bring them back to normalcy,” DM Abhishek Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.

The DM said that an ex-gratia Rs 4 lakh each will be given to the deceased.

“Adequate arrangements have been made at the hospital, 6 senior doctors and 10 interns are there. Families of the deceased will be given an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each. Those belonging to BPL categories are being given Rs 20,000 each for the last rites,” he added.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan advised people to avoid moving out of house till temperatures come down.

“It’s very unfortunate that people have died due to heat stroke. I advise people to avoid moving out of house till temperature reduces. Intense heat affects brain and leads to various health issues,” the Health Minister said.

The temperature in Bhagalpur was recorded at 41.5 degrees Celsius.

According to reports, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the deaths and also directed the district magistrates to take all necessary steps needed to prevent any further deaths in the state.

All government and private schools in Patna will remain closed till 19 June, as per a directive of the district administration.