In the past nine days, the district of Ballia in Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a distressing surge in fatalities attributed to a heat wave. The death toll has now reached 103, with an additional three deaths reported on Sunday, as two more fatalities occurred in rural areas, Dainik Jagran reports. The severity of the situation prompted the transfer of CMS Dr. Diwakar Singh to Azamgarh, with Dr. SK Yadav assuming the charge at the district hospital.
The escalating number of casualties has extended beyond Ballia, affecting other districts in the Purvanchal region as well. In the last 24 hours alone, 52 deaths were reported in Deoria, although the exact cause of these deaths remains unconfirmed. To address the alarming situation, a three-member team comprising Director, Communicable Diseases Dr. AK Singh, Deputy Director Dr. Mohit Singh, and Director Medical and Health Dr. KN Tiwari has been dispatched from Lucknow to Ballia.
Meanwhile, the impact of cyclone Biparjoy has begun to manifest in northern India, including Uttar Pradesh. The Meteorological Department forecasts four consecutive days of rainfall in western Uttar Pradesh, commencing from Monday. Kanpur is expected to experience weather changes starting on Monday, with heavy rainfall anticipated throughout the state from Tuesday onward. Simultaneously, districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh have been issued a heat wave warning.
The recent surge in hospital admissions has placed significant strain on the district hospital in Ballia. Over 480 patients have been admitted since June 15, presenting with symptoms such as fever, breathing difficulties, and other ailments. The influx has overwhelmed the medical facility, resulting in a shortage of stretchers and necessitating patients to be carried into the emergency ward by their attendants.
While the exact cause of the deaths in Ballia is yet to be determined, initial explanations diverge. While government doctors initially suggested a possible link to the heatwave, a senior government doctor from Lucknow, AK Singh, dismissed heat as the primary reason, citing atypical symptoms observed in the deceased. Dr. Singh suggested that water-related factors could be investigated as a potential cause and announced that water samples would be examined by the climate department.
The opposition, led by Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, has criticized the state government, holding them responsible for the deaths. Yadav pointed to the lack of timely warnings and inadequate provision of food, medicines, and treatment to the affected individuals. In response, UP Health Minister Brajesh Pathak emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation in Ballia and treating it as a matter of utmost seriousness.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on addressing the immediate challenges posed by the heat wave and ensuring adequate medical support for affected individuals in Ballia and neighboring districts.
The Chenab Times News Desk