PUNE: Maharashtra has been in the grip of a severe heatwave since April 24. The temperature touched a record high at many places across the State. Akola reported 47.2 degrees Celsius on April 28, which was the second hottest city across the globe on that day. This extraordinary rise in temperature has claimed three lives in the State.
According to the State Health Department, between March 15 and April 28, there has been three deaths and 160 cases of heat-related illnesses in Maharashtra. Of these 160 cases, 40 alone were reported between April 24 and April 28 with one death in the State.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Pradeep Awate, State Surveillance Officer with the Maharashtra Health Department, said all districts have been issued an advisory to spread the word of caution.
“There have been 160 cases of heat-related illnesses from various parts of the State. One death each was reported from Aurangabad, Parbhani and Dhule. We have also issued an advisory to the districts to reach out to more people about precautions and preventive measures,” said Dr Awate.
According to the State Health Department, there have been 88 cases in Nagpur.
This is followed by 50 cases in Akola and 17 cases in Latur. Aurangabad reported four cases while Nashik reported one case.
PUNE SCENARIO
Pune also reported day temperature ranging from 41.1 degrees Celsius on April 24 to 43 degrees Celsius on April 28. The temperature on Sunday was 5.1 degrees above normal. Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Sanjeev Wavare, Assistant Medical Officer with the Health Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), said advisories have been issued to the government-run hospitals.
“We also have a heat stroke cell, where such cases should be reported. However, no cases of heat-related illnesses or deaths have been reported within the city limits. Nonetheless, as the day temperature is still high, citizens are advised caution,” said Dr Wavare. Though the government-run medical facilities have not reported a single case of heat-related illness, many small private clinics have reported patients with symptoms of dehydration in the city.
