The deadly heatwave in Bihar’s Buxar has resulted in a significant rise in fatalities. According to Buxar DM Anshul Agrawal, around 70 to 80 bodies are being cremated daily at the Mukti Dham cremation ground. Before the heatwave, the number used to be at a lower 40 to 45. The spike is due to the high humidity and temperature – reaching as high as 45 degrees Celsius – causing people to sweat profusely and dehydrate. Health experts suggest that drinking fluids such as water, glucose, juice, and aam panna can help maintain body fluid levels.
The situation in Buxar is being replicated across many other districts in Bihar, with 35 more entering strong heatwave conditions. The local government has set up special wards for heatwave patients and distributed medicines to hospitals. Despite these efforts, the sheer number of casualties is overwhelming, and people have to wait for their turn to cremate their loved ones. Cremations are even taking place at night, and the prices of materials used for these rituals have soared.
The gravity of the situation makes it an urgent issue to address for the Bihar government. Fatalities due to heatwaves have been on the rise recently and have become a regular occurrence. The government must take necessary measures to inform the public and prepare for similar issues in the future. Despite the difficulties, people must be able to cope and receive help during these difficult times.
