In Bihar, 29 people have died and more than 200 fell ill due to heat stroke. Officials sources said the deaths have occurred in the last 24 hours. A maximum of 12 deaths occurred in Aurangabad district where mercury has soared to above 48 degrees Celsius. Six deaths have been reported in Bhojpur district whereas four each in Rohtas and Jehanabad. One each casualty was reported from Buxar, Arwal and Nalanda districts where one polling staff and two home guard jawans deputed in election duty succumbed to death due to heat stroke. In Jehanabad four teachers were declared brought dead at a hospital after losing consciousness due to heat stroke. On Thursday maximum temperature was recorded around 47 degrees Celsius in several districts. Several parts of the state including Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur, Gaya, Jehanabad, Sheikhpura, Patna, Nawada and nearby areas are reeling under intense heatwave conditions. The state government has closed all schools, Anganwadi Kendra and coaching institutions till 8th June because of prevailing intense heatwave conditions. But no relaxation has been given to teachers of the schools and they have been asked to attend the duty. Several teachers fell ill and fainted in schools due to heat stroke. The teachers’ organisations have opposed the opening of schools for them in such harsh weather conditions.
The Met Department has predicted intense heatwave conditions for South Western and South Central regions of the state for the next 24 hours. In the past 48 hours, Northern and Eastern parts of the state have received pre-monsoon showers giving much-needed reprieve from scorching heat.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).