50 DIED IN BHOJPUR WITHIN 5 DAYS

Ara, 19 June 2023, (RNI): Rising temperature and heat wave reportedly claimed 50 lives including life of an army personnel in Bhojpur district within five days. The number of death may increase if people do not follow the guidelines of doctors. 45 out of 50 persons reportedly died at the Ara Sadar Hospital while 5 were brought to the Ara Sadar Hospital from outside. As per weather bulletin,Bhojpur district remained the hottest place in Bihar with the maximum temperature of 45.3 degree Celsius followed by Aurangabad with 45 degree, Gaya with 44.5, Dehari with 44.5, sheikhpur with 44.4, Nawada with 44, Jamui with 43.7, Nalanda with 43.4, Patna with 42.5 degree Celsius in the last 24 hours as the mercury broke all the previous records.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), a heat wave is declared in plains when the maximum temperature is over 40 °C. A “severe” heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature is 6.4°C above normal. No respite from prevailing heat wave condition is likely in the state during the next two days, said meteorologists.

Meanwhile, Bhojpur District Magistrate Raj Kumar, in a press release said that only seven persons died due to heat wave in the district but postmortem of five persons was performed at the Ara Sadar Hospital while the family members of the two deceased did not allow postmortem. The DM further said that special arrangements have been made at the Ara Sadar Hospital to deal with the heat wave such as AC ward, dedicated bed, 24x7 availability of doctors, medical facilities, deputation of paramedical staffs as per roster, necessary medicines, sufficient consumables and ambulances for the patients affected with heat wave.

Blistering heat and heat wave hit Bhojpur district for the last one fortnight and the entire Ara town wore deserted look since 8 in the morning and people prefer to confine themselves inside their houses. Westerly wind is blowing at a speed of 30 to 40 kilometer per hour compelling the people and even the animals to take shelter under the shadow of trees. Besides they are also facing problems for want of drinking water as most of the hand pumps have gone dry though the district administration had launched campaign to repair them.

The doctors advised to drink water at short interval or whenever they go out of homes and carry water bottle with them and also use liquid. They advised to remain indoor and do not go out of the house unless or until it is necessary. They also advised to cover their heads with caps or towels and keep their bodies cool.