17 die in 48 hrs; mercury touches 49°C in Raj distt
JAIPUR/BARMER: At least 17 people have died due to suspected heat-related ailments over the last 48 hours in Rajasthan, as the western state reeled under a heatwave with the mercury surging to 49 degrees Celsius in Phalodi district — the highest temperature recorded in the country this year. At least five other districts recorded a maximum temperatures in excess of 46°C.
According to the Met department, the western part of the state is in the grip of a heatwave or conditions similar to a severe heatwave, and the state as a whole is unlikely to get any relief, with high temperatures predicted for the next 72 to 96 hours. Both day and night temperatures are likely to increase by 1-2°C, the agency said, sounding a red alert for several districts for the next three days.
It is only on May 28 when the temperatures are expected to begin relenting. “In some parts of Eastern Rajasthan, temperatures are expected to drop by 2-3 degrees Celsius starting from May 28, while in certain areas of Western Rajasthan, this temperature decrease is anticipated to commence from May 29,” it added.
Phalodi logged a maximum temperature of 49 degrees Celsius on Friday, the highest recorded so far this year, while Jaisalmer and Barmer sizzled at 48.3°C and 48.2°C , respectively. The day temperature in Jodhpur was 47.6°C , in Kota 46.7°C , in Ganganagar 46.6°C , in Bikaner 45.8°C , in Churu 44.8°C and in Jaipur 42.8°C , according to Met centre Jaipur.
The state’s disaster management department confirmed six deaths — three in Balotra and one each in Bhilwara, Bikaner and Jodhpur — however, reports from district-level health officials pegged the number of casualties at 17 for fatalities primarily due to heatstroke and other heatwave-related ailments since Thursday.
According to district health officials, seven deaths were reported in Jalore, four in Balotra, and three in Pali, all attributed to the severe heat wave.
Dr Ramashankar Bharti, the chief medical and health officer of Jalore, said at least six deaths were reported at the city’s general hospital since Thursday. “Unfortunately, all individuals were brought in dead, hindering efforts to determine the precise cause of death. However, based on symptoms described by relatives and other sources, heatstroke is suspected as a potential factor,” Bharti added. His counterpart in Balotra, Dr Vakaram Choudhary, confirmed two deaths — Shinder Singh and Mantu (30) — due to heatstroke. Besides, Moola Ram (55) from Kalewa village fell ill while working in his field and died.
In Pali district, three deaths were reported and prima facie attributed to heatstroke.