MUMBAI: The state public health department has flagged underreporting of heat-related deaths, with data showing that though 16 districts have breached the 40-degree mark in maximum temperatures between April 29 and May 5, they have collectively accounted for only 40% of heatstroke cases.
State data revealed notable disparities: for instance, despite Akola experiencing the highest maximum temperatures between April 29 and May 5 among all districts, it has reported just two cases of heat stroke since March. In contrast, Nashik, which has reported the highest number of heat stroke cases (23), saw recent maximum temperatures around 38.5 degrees. Also, districts from Marathwada and Vidarbha like Hingoli, Parbhani and Bhandara that have been sweltering in temperatures between 43 and 44 degrees have reported heat stroke cases in single digits.
The state health department held an online meeting on Tuesday where districts were asked to report heat strokes accurately. “Our worry is that certain districts are not documenting heat stroke cases appropriately. It is evident when you compare the incidence between districts. Some are experiencing many high temperature days but not seeing heat stroke cases. How is that possible?” said Dr Radhakrishna Pawar, deputy director state health services.
Mumbai city and suburban, Latur, Nandurbar and Washim are five districts that haven’t reported any heat stroke cases this year, though Nandurbar and Latur have clocked maximum temperatures over 42 degrees in the past week. The city too had experienced temperatures nearing 40 degrees as heat wave alerts were sounded on three occasions in April.
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Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.Sumitra Deb Roy is a health journalist with more than 17 years of...
Read MoreSumitra Deb Roy is a health journalist with more than 17 years of experience across India’s leading newspapers. She is currently a senior assistant editor with the Times of India, where she has extensively covered the Covid-19 pandemic and highlighted the unprecedented challenges faced by the health systems in Mumbai and Maharashtra. She recently co-authored a book titled “Mumbai Fights Back” that chronicles the city’s battle with Covid-19. She holds a postgraduate degree in journalism from the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai and a bachelor’s in political science from Calcutta University.
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