Heatwave Deaths in India: A Growing Crisis Amid Inadequate Actions

India is facing an escalating heatwave crisis that claims tens of thousands of lives each year, yet official figures drastically understate the true human toll. Recent analyses estimate that a single five-day heatwave can cause around 30,000 excess deaths nationwide, with a conservative estimate of 150,000 heat-related deaths each summer if multiple heatwaves occur. Despite this, government data for 2024 reports only 360 heatstroke fatalities, while independent assessments suggest the number is more than double, at 733 deaths.

The discrepancy arises from inconsistent reporting methods among agencies such as the National Crime Records Bureau, National Disaster Management Authority, and the India Meteorological Department, whose heatwave mortality figures differ by nearly a factor of two. This undercounting masks the severity of the crisis and hampers effective policy responses.

Certain regions bear the brunt of heatwave mortality, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for over 8,000 deaths per heatwave, followed by Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Vulnerable populations—rural communities, outdoor laborers, the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions—face heightened risks due to limited healthcare access and inadequate infrastructure.

The physiological impact of extreme heat is profound. High temperatures and humidity impair the body’s ability to cool itself, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heatstroke. Rising nighttime temperatures and humidity further exacerbate health risks, as highlighted by a recent study showing that nearly 60% of Indian districts, home to three-quarters of the population, face “high to very high” heatwave risk.

Despite the growing threat, many districts lack local Heat Action Plans, and enforcement of national guidelines remains uneven. The Supreme Court has recently sought government responses on a petition demanding stricter implementation of heatwave management protocols, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action.

With climate change driving more frequent and intense heatwaves, India’s challenge is clear: improving data transparency, expanding preventive measures, and enhancing healthcare infrastructure to protect millions from the deadly consequences of extreme heat.

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