Pune: Maharashtra has reported five deaths since April 28 as temperature soars. Moreover, there have been 258 cases of heat-related illnesses reported at government facilities across the State. With the ongoing heatwave in Marathawada, Central Maharashtra and Vidarbha, the State reported the highest day temperature on Monday at 45.9 degrees Celsius at Bramhapuri.
A the State Health Department, between March 15 and May 19, there have been 418 cases and seven deaths due to heat-related illnesses across the State. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the heatwave may continue to prevail till May 24 in Vidarbha, Marathwada and Central Maharashtra.
Dr Prakash Bhoi, Joint Director of Public Health Department, said there has been one death each from Parbhani, Beed and Dhule and two each from Aurangabad and Hingoli.
“As the heat has increased so have the heat-related illnesses across the state. There are 143 cases in Nagpur, 186 in Akola, six in Aurangabad, 61 in Latur, one in Pune and 21 in Nashik.
“We have instructed all government officials to have a heatwave room to tend to the patients and have advised patients with hypertension, diabetes or other major illness to stay indoors as they are more prone to suffering when the heat increases,” said Dr Bhoi.
Advising residents, Dr Dinesh Lalwani from Pune said those who go outdoors should have plenty of water. “Avoid strenuous activity, wear loose clothes preferably white or light in colour. Have plenty of fruits like watermelon, muskmelons, juices like sugar cane juice. Take a cold water bath twice a day, if possible. High risk patients should stay indoors and visit the doctor, if they feel dehydrated,” said Dr Lalwani.
Second hottest day
(Source: India Meteorological Department)