Heatwaves in Rajasthan are getting ‘deadly’ especially during the day! For the past 11 days, the state has been struggling with intense heat wave conditions, with temperatures climbing above 44 degrees Celsius in most areas. The scorching heat is wreaking havoc on daily life and public transport in cities.
11 Deaths Reported This Week
At least six more deaths have been reported in Rajasthan on Friday due to suspected heat stroke as the mercury soared to 49 degrees Celsius. This comes after five deaths were recorded just a day earlier on Thursday, bringing the total number of deaths to 11 in this week.
State officials have confirmed that the intense heat claimed lives in various districts, with three deaths reported in Balotra, and one each in Bhilwara, Bikaner, and Jodhpur. The official cause of these deaths is yet to be confirmed, pending post-mortem reports.
Two other people from Jaisalmer and Alwar died, but their cause of death is yet to be confirmed by the Medical and Health Department whether they were victims of heat waves. The extreme weather conditions have led to increased hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses.
Soaring Temperature
Several cities in Rajasthan are experiencing extreme temperatures. According to the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, Phalodi has emerged as the hottest place in the state, recording a blistering 49 degrees Celsius. This marks the highest temperature recorded in Rajasthan so far this year. Jaisalmer followed closely behind Phalodi, registering a scorching 48.3 degrees Celsius, while Barmer sizzled at 48.2 degrees.
City-wise Temperature
- Phalodi recorded 49 degree Celsius,
- Jaisalmer was 48.3 degrees Celsius, in
- Barmer 48.2 degrees Celsuis,
- Jodhpur 47.6 degrees Celsius
- Kota 46.7 degrees Celsius
- Ganganagar 46.6 degrees Celsius
- Bikaner 45.8 degrees Celsius,
- Churu 44.8 degrees Celsius
- Jaipur 42.8 degrees Celsius, it said.
On Thursday, the city of Barmer in Rajasthan topped temperature charts with a record 48.8 degrees Celsius.
The heatwave's impact is expected to worsen in the coming days, Indian Meteorological Department warns. Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions, including staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours.
Government Response and Public Advisory
The state's disaster management officials are on high alert, coordinating with various agencies to mitigate the heatwave's impact. Efforts are underway to ensure adequate water supply and medical facilities across the affected regions.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate citizens on coping strategies during this extreme weather.
State’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal has issued strict orders over the power cuts in most cities. But the situation in most of the cities remains the same, long hours of power cuts are adding to public woes and creating a miserable life for citizens. The poor supply of water from PHED was another setback for the people living in slum areas.
Also Read : Navigating India's Summer: Balancing Health Risks (vygrnews.com)
Shubhra Singh, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, has given directives to make sure that all medical facilities have strong plans in place for the prevention and treatment of illnesses linked to heatwaves, including all hospitals to maintain working fans, air conditioners, water coolers, and coolers.
The state government has issued an advisory for citizens to be cautious and prevent heat-related illnesses. Moreover, the wather office has issued warnings about potential heatwave conditions, and officials have stated that they are making every effort to guarantee public safety and provide relief measures.
Intense heatwaves in North India
While Rajasthan's temperatures are particularly alarming, other parts of India are also experiencing severe heat. In Maharashtra, Akola and Jalgaon recorded highs of 45.8 and 45.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. Similarly, Ratlam and Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh logged temperatures of 46.2 and 46.3 degrees Celsius.
Also Read: ‘Severe Heatwave' Alert in North India, Rainfall’ in South (vygrnews.com)
Heat waves are affecting Northern India in particular, states like Punjab and Haryana are experiencing severe heat waves. The highest recorded temperatures were 45.4 degrees in Sirsa, Haryana; 44.8 degrees in Bathinda, Punjab; and 45.5 degrees in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Also Read : Delhi Records 47.4 Degrees Celsius, 'Red Alert' Issued |VYGR (vygrnews.com)
In addition to the warm overnight temperatures, the Met office issued a "red" warning for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, highlighting a "very high likelihood" of heat illness and heat stroke in people of all ages.
Overall, high Summer temperatures and heatwaves are usual in May, but this year, more heatwave days are expected than usual, primarily due to fewer non-monsoon thundershowers and an active El Nino weather phenomenon, as per Scientists.
Photo: Multiple Sources
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