Maharashtra has experienced a surge in heat stroke cases this year, reaching an unprecedented level not seen in recent years. As compare to 767 probable heat stroke cases of last year, 2023 so far saw 2,189 cases, which is about 3 times of the cases in 2022. The scorching heat and the rise in temperature have taken a toll on the people of Maharashtra, leading to an alarming rise in heat-related health emergencies.
Despite occasional rain showers during this summer, the state has still been grappling with an increase in heat stroke incidents. This rise in cases can be attributed to the combination of higher temperatures and a significantly higher heat index in several districts of Maharashtra.
The heat index is a measure that factors in both relative humidity and air temperature. It plays a crucial role in determining how hot it feels to the human body. With soaring heat index values, the discomfort and danger posed by heatwaves become even more pronounced.
Analysing the data, it becomes evident that the surge in heat stroke cases has been a persistent issue over the past few months. In March, the number of probable heat stroke cases stood at 264, which skyrocketed to 985 in April and further to 940 in May.
Among the districts worst affected by the heatwave crisis, Raigad district topped the list with a staggering 410 suspected heat stroke cases. Wardha district followed closely with 254 cases, while Nagpur reported 165 cases. Notably, Raigad district alone accounted for 12 heat stroke deaths.
Last year, the total number of deaths recorded in the entire state stood at 31.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), most parts of Maharashtra have experienced a challenging summer, with temperatures consistently above average. In mid-April, at least 10 districts in the state witnessed temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, even minimum temperatures in April and May remained above average.
Also Read: Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion: A Guide To Protect Yourself
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