Nearly 100 people have died in the past five days from the effects of a strong heat wave which hit the northeast of the country, in eastern Uttar Pradesh, where Benares is located, and in Bihar. And the temperatures should not drop in the coming days.
With our correspondent in New Delhi, Sebastien Farcis
Northeast India has been plagued by stifling heat for nearly a week, reaching 45 degrees for example in Patna, the capital of Bihar, 5 degrees above seasonal norms. On the streets, locals wrap their faces in cotton cloths to curb dehydration, and over the weekend many have flocked to bodies of water to cool off.
But the oldest and most vulnerable succumb. Hundreds of people flocked to hospitals, and dozens died of acute diarrhea or fever. Doctors say most of the deceased were over 60 and died of complications from other heart or respiratory diseases, among others.
Patna city authorities have closed schools until next Monday. The heat wave will continue these days to hit the eastern regions of India.