Banda (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 21 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh’s Banda recorded a scorching temperature of 48 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest place in the country as severe heatwave conditions continue across the region. Hospitals are also witnessing a rise in heat stroke and heat-related illness cases.
Meteorologist at Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Dr Dinesh, said the region has been recording temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius for nearly a week, while night temperatures have remained above 30 degrees Celsius.
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Dr Dinesh said, ‘It is recorded as the hottest place, with temperatures consistently above 45 degrees Celsius for nearly a week. Night temperatures remain above 30 degrees Celsius, while daytime readings quickly rise from 44 degrees Celsius to 47-48 degrees Celsius.’
He attributed the intense heat to several factors, including direct sunlight due to the region’s proximity to the Tropic of Cancer, clear skies, plateau terrain with low soil moisture, drying rivers, deforestation, and mining activities.
‘Hot winds from the northwest further intensify the heat. Rainfall is limited and uneven, with about 900 mm annually. Lack of water raises ground temperatures. Temperatures will hover around 45 degrees Celsius, with heatwave conditions persisting at least until the end of May,’ he added.
Physician at the Trauma Centre, Dr Vineet Sachan, said hospitals are witnessing a sharp rise in patient numbers, with an additional 300-400 cases being reported daily over the usual 1,800-2,000 cases. Most patients are suffering from symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headaches, and dizziness.
‘Banda has reported extreme temperatures, 48.2°C yesterday and around 47°C today, with the city in the grip of severe heat. Hospitals are seeing a surge in patients, mainly with stomach pain, vomiting, fever, headaches, and dizziness,’ Dr Sachan said.
He advised residents to avoid stepping out between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., carry umbrellas or cloth coverings when outdoors, drink plenty of water, avoid going out on an empty stomach, and consume more liquids.
Dr Sachan further stated that nearly 200-300 people are being affected by heat-related illnesses each day.
District Magistrate Amit Aseri said the administration had already initiated advance monitoring of water and electricity supply and was regularly coordinating with officials.
He said schools were given early holidays, timings were adjusted, and advisories were issued asking people to avoid going outdoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. unless necessary. Hospitals and ambulances have also been kept on alert to handle heat-related emergencies.
‘Temperatures have crossed 48°C in recent days. The administration had prepared in advance, monitoring water and electricity supply, and collecting reports from officials. Schools were given early holidays, timings were adjusted, and advisories issued urging people not to go out between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. unless essential,’ Aseri said.
He added that afforestation drives and tree plantation initiatives along rivers and roads are being planned to help reduce temperatures in the area.
Meanwhile, local resident Anamika Awasthi said stepping outside has become unbearable due to the intense heat and hot winds.
‘Banda is facing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 48.2°C yesterday and around 47°C today. Stepping outside feels unbearable, with hot winds causing heatstroke. Temperatures have risen higher than ever before, making daily life increasingly difficult,’ Awasthi said.
(ANI)