Brutal heatwave: Death toll climbs to 143, actual numbers could be high

The Indian health ministry has reported 143 recorded deaths and 41,789 people suffering from suspected heatstroke between March 1 and June 20 this year. However, the heatwave toll is expected to be higher due to the lack of updated data from states and health facilities uploading data on heatwave casualties. Union Health Minister J P Nadda has directed officials to visit central hospitals to assess the number of deaths due to heatstroke and to set up special heatwave units in all central government hospitals.