The impact of the heat wave has extended beyond Ballia, affecting other districts in the Purvanchal region as well. In the last 24 hours alone, 52 deaths were reported in Deoria, although the exact cause of these deaths remains unconfirmed. To address the alarming situation, a three-member team comprising Director, Communicable Diseases Dr. AK Singh, Deputy Director Dr. Mohit Singh, and Director Medical and Health Dr. KN Tiwari has been dispatched from Lucknow to Ballia.
Meanwhile, the northern parts of India, including Uttar Pradesh, are experiencing the impact of cyclone Biparjoy. The Meteorological Department has forecasted four consecutive days of rainfall in western Uttar Pradesh, starting from Monday. Kanpur is expected to experience weather changes starting on Monday, with heavy rainfall anticipated throughout the state from Tuesday onwards. In contrast, districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh have been issued a heat wave warning.
The surge in hospital admissions has placed significant strain on the district hospital in Ballia, with over 480 patients admitted since June 15. These patients have presented with symptoms such as fever, breathing difficulties, and other ailments. The influx has overwhelmed the medical facility, resulting in a shortage of stretchers, and patients have had to be carried into the emergency ward by their attendants.
The exact cause of the deaths in Ballia is yet to be determined, and initial explanations differ. While government doctors initially suggested a possible link to the heat wave, a senior government doctor from Lucknow, AK Singh, dismissed heat as the primary reason, citing atypical symptoms observed in the deceased. Dr. Singh proposed investigating water-related factors as a potential cause and announced that water samples would be examined by the climate department.
The state government has faced criticism from the opposition, led by Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, who holds them responsible for the deaths. Yadav pointed to the lack of timely warnings and inadequate provision of food, medicines, and treatment for the affected individuals. In response, UP Health Minister Brajesh Pathak emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation in Ballia and treating it as a matter of utmost seriousness.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on addressing the immediate challenges posed by the heat wave and ensuring adequate medical support for the affected individuals in Ballia and neighboring districts.