India has reported over 40,000 cases of suspected heatstroke this summer, with at least 100 fatalities due to an extended heatwave. The severe weather conditions have significantly impacted Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Delhi, where hospitals have been instructed to expand capacity to manage the influx of patients exacerbated by water and electricity shortages. The government has directed both federal and state agencies to prioritize immediate medical attention for those affected.

According to health ministry data, from March 1 to June 18, the northwest and eastern regions experienced twice the normal number of hot days. In MP alone, there have been more than 5,200 cases of heat-related illness, while Rajasthan reported 4,300 cases and Delhi recorded at least 20 deaths. Noida, a neighboring city, reported 14 fatalities.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda recently assessed hospital readiness nationwide, underscoring the need for preparedness amidst the ongoing heatwave. Experts attribute the severity of the heatwave to climate change, which has prolonged and intensified the summer temperatures. In North India, this summer marked one of the longest heatwaves on record, with temperatures soaring close to 50 degrees Celsius.

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, noted an increase in bird rescue calls during the heatwave. “In the past two weeks, Wildlife SOS has been receiving 35-40 rescue calls daily in and around Delhi-National Capital Region, primarily for bird rescues,” he stated.