In India, where extreme heat continues to prevail, at least 45 people have died in just the past two days from symptoms believed to be related to the heatwave.
This included polling officers from the general election, the votes of which will be counted on the 4th.
According to local media on May 1st (local time), 19 people passed away in the eastern state of Odisha and 16 people in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on May 30 and 31. During the same period, five people lost their lives in the eastern state of Bihar, four in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, and one in the northern state of Punjab. As a result, the total number of deaths due to the heatwave that has persisted in northern India in recent days has increased to 87.
Among the deceased in Uttar Pradesh, 11 were polling officers for the general election. India has been holding the general election for six weeks since April 19. On June 1, the final seventh-phase voting was underway in certain areas including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The counting of votes for the 543 members of the lower house of parliament will take place on June 4, with the results announced on the same day.
A heatwave has been sweeping through India for several days. The capital, New Delhi, recorded a maximum daytime temperature of 114 degrees Fahrenheit on May 31.