India heatwave: 25 poll officials die in UP, Bihar in last 48 hours ahead of phase 7 elections
People on election duty die
At least eight poll officials have died in the eastern Indian state of Bihar in the last 48 hours due to a persistent heatwave. Authorities said 10 more people died in the state ahead of the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls slated to be held on June 1. Out of 18 deaths, 11 occurred in Rohtas district, while six in Bhojpur and one in Buxar. Heatwave conditions have exacerbated in Bihar, where mercury has constantly touched over 44 degrees Celsius over the past several days.
The state has recorded the highest temperature of 47.1 degrees Celsius this season so far.
Due to the fatal heatwave conditions, the state government on Wednesday (May 29) ordered all educational institutions to remain closed till June 8.
On Friday (May 31), at least 40 people died due to a heatwave in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Out of those 40, at least 25 were deployed on poll duty.
Other states have reported heat-related deaths as well. According to officials, heat-related deaths were reported from Odisha (10), Bihar (8), Jharkhand (4) and Uttar Pradesh (1) on Thursday also. Rajasthan has reported at least five heat-related deaths so far.
The India Meteorological Department earlier today said that heatwave conditions are likely to persist in states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand.
A heatwave is declared when the average temperature of the day exceeds normal temperature by at least 6.5 degrees Celsius.
The abnormal conditions have also led to the shortage of water in many states, including Delhi. The government here has now approached the apex court of the country to seek directives to the Haryana government to release more water downstream.
The Rajasthan High Court stated a day earlier that heatwavehad to be declared a national emergency after learning about fatalities brought on by this month's harsh weather.
(With inputs from agencies)