Bihar Heatwave: Nitish Kumar Government Takes Swift Action to Protect Lives

A scorching heatwave sweeping across Bihar has tragically claimed 14 lives. The state government has confirmed that 10 of the deceased were election workers who succumbed to heat-related illnesses while performing their duties.

According to reports from the state's Disaster Management Department, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Kaimur, and Aurangabad districts have been severely impacted. Bhojpur witnessed the highest number of fatalities among election staff at 5, while Rohtas reported 3 deaths. Kaimur and Aurangabad each saw one poll worker succumb to the extreme heat.

Aurangabad district, where temperatures have soared above 40°C (104°F) in recent days, reported four additional casualties.

Heatwaves are a common occurrence in Bihar during summers, but this year's temperatures have been exceptionally severe, pushing human endurance to the limit. Experts warn that the heatwave may persist for several days, potentially straining the healthcare system.

Bihar Government Prioritizes Public Safety

In response to this climate crisis, the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has taken decisive steps to safeguard lives during this extreme weather event.

Chief Minister Nitesh Kumar directed district magistrates (DMs) to implement preventative measures across the state. A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) outlined instructions to ensure the safety of all citizens.

The statement confirmed that the process of granting ex-gratia compensation to the families of the deceased has begun.

Heatwave Relief Measures

With temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius in several places, Bihar is experiencing scorching heat. Buxar recorded the highest temperature at 47.1 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

Schools, coaching institutes, and anganwadi centres have been closed until June 8th due to the heatwave.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, Chief Minister Nitesh Kumar further directed DMs to:

Deploy an adequate number of water tankers.

Ensure all government health centers and hospitals have proper facilities, including uninterrupted power supply, to manage the situation effectively.

Organize proper distribution of drinking water across districts.

Raise public awareness about heatwave symptoms and preventive measures.

Provide immediate medical attention to anyone experiencing heat-related illness.

Ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in both rural and urban areas to minimize discomfort.

These decisive actions demonstrate the Bihar government's commitment to public safety during this challenging time.