India heatwave: 96 people dead reportedly from heat-aggravated conditions

At least 96 people are reported to have died from heat-aggravated conditions during a blistering heatwave across two of India’s most populous states over the past several days, although questions have been raised after more than half of the deaths were reported in a single district.

The deaths happened in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the east, where 45C (113F) temperatures were recorded over the past few days, coupled with humidity.

Heatwaves are common in June, when the summer heat soars to maximum intensity before the monsoon hits. Many Indians go out to earn a living under the sweltering sun, with only a wet cloth wrapped around their heads.

Atul Kumar Singh, a scientist from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said temperatures across Uttar Pradesh were above normal, adding: “No relief is expected in the next 24 hours.”