Deadly Heatwave Claims 22 Lives in Delhi Over 24 Hours

Delhi's RML, Safdarjung, and LNJP hospitals recorded 22 heat-related fatalities in the last 24 hours. Searing heatwave conditions have caused a spike in heatstroke casualties, with 33 admissions and 13 deaths at Safdarjung alone. The increased number of cremations at Nigambodh Ghat funeral site further signifies the crisis.

In the last 24 hours, Delhi battles a deadly heatwave with 22 heat-related fatalities reported at RML, Safdarjung, and LNJP hospitals, officials revealed on Thursday.

The capital has faced extreme heatwave conditions, though light rain on Thursday morning brought momentary relief.

Hospitals have alarmingly risen in heatstroke cases, especially at Safdarjung Hospital with 33 admissions and 13 deaths reported within a day.

Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital reported 22 suspected heatstroke patients, with four more dying, while five succumbed at LNJP Hospital in the same duration.

On the cremation front, Nigambodh Ghat saw an influx in bodies, though the heatwave link remains unconfirmed. Although 142 corpses were cremated on Wednesday, varying from 97 on Tuesday, surpassing the daily 50-60 average, per Suman Gupta of Nigambodh Ghat Sanchalan Samiti.

''We typically handle around 50-60 bodies per day, but the numbers have surged recently. Today alone, 35 cremations have occurred since morning and may rise,'' noted Gupta.