Anaya : “51 Deaths in Ghaziabad Linked to Heatstroke”

In a tragic turn of events, at least 51 individuals, including a 7-month-old infant, are suspected to have succumbed to heat-related illnesses over a span of three days in Ghaziabad. The medical professionals at the district hospital revealed this alarming statistic on Thursday, shedding light on the devastating impact of the ongoing heatwave in the Delhi-NCR region.

Rising Death Toll

Adding to the grim tally are the 14 reported deaths at the district hospital in Noida and 32 fatalities within 36 hours in Delhi, all possibly linked to the scorching heatwave gripping the region since May. Of the 51 deceased individuals in Ghaziabad, 18 passed away while undergoing treatment at the MMG District Hospital, with the rest being brought in already lifeless.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

The victims exhibited symptoms such as high fever, dehydration, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhoea – classic signs of heat exhaustion. Many of them were discovered unconscious on the streets, having been transported to the hospital by passersby, relatives, or law enforcement.

Demographics of the Deceased

Most of the individuals who lost their lives were labourers, street vendors, or individuals working outdoors. The age range of the deceased spanned from 15 to 80 years, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the heatwave’s impact. Several bodies remain unidentified, having been found by authorities or civilians.

Government Response

The district administration has initiated post-mortem examinations on 28 bodies to ascertain the exact cause of death. Dr RK Gupta, the additional chief medical officer in Ghaziabad, confirmed that all deaths are suspected to be heat-related, pending official confirmation.

Regional Heatwave Crisis

Northwest India, including Delhi-NCR, is currently grappling with one of the most severe summers in recent memory, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius for an unprecedented 39 consecutive days. The MMG Hospital had admitted 261 patients with heat-related illnesses until Wednesday, further underscoring the magnitude of the crisis.

Individual Tragedies

Among the tragic losses was Anaya, a 7-month-old infant brought in by her family, and Geeta, a 42-year-old resident of Sahibabad. Other victims included Jai Prakash from Bihar, Kanij from Vijayanagar, Bhushan Sharma from Indira Colony, Gulab from Meerut Road, Nandkishore, Hemanti Devi, and Prahlad Gupta from Goshala Phatak.

Medical Investigations

Dr Amit Vikram, an additional CMO, disclosed the formation of a committee to probe the heatstroke deaths, with autopsy reports crucial in determining the exact cause of fatalities. The surge in post-mortem examinations underscores the unprecedented nature of the current heatwave crisis.

Challenges in Confirmation

Confirming heat-related deaths can be particularly challenging, as the criteria necessitate a direct link between heat exposure and the demise of an individual. Factors such as ambient temperature and pre-existing health conditions play a pivotal role in establishing the cause of death.

Health Department’s Response

Efforts are underway to address the escalating heatwave crisis, with the health department and district hospital collaborating to investigate the surge in heatstroke-related fatalities. As the region continues to grapple with soaring temperatures, urgent measures are required to mitigate the human toll of the ongoing heatwave.