At least nine people in Rajasthan were killed from suspected heat stroke on Friday. The disaster management officials in the state told Reuters that they are still confirming the cause of death through medical exams. Meanwhile, the temperatures are expected to rise higher in the state in coming days.
The intense heat in northern India has become a matter of grave concern, especially when it coincides with the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Delhi will be voting on Saturday in temperatures around 45°C. Scientists have claimed that there will be more heatwave days this year because there are fewer thunderstorms and an active but weakening El Nino.
The incident follows a record-high temperature of 48.8°C in the city of Barmer, Rajasthan, on Thursday.
Weather officials have warned that many areas in Rajasthan, as well as in the northern states of Punjab and Haryana, will experience heatwave to severe heatwave conditions.
Meanwhile, in the southern state of Kerala, at least seven people died due to heavy pre-monsoon rains, which were 18% heavier than usual, causing floods and disrupting flights in some areas.
(With Reuters Inputs)