BSF soldier dies in Jaisalmer; red alert issued in Himachal and Punjab as severe heatwave sweeps across India

PTC Web Desk: A severe heatwave is sweeping across various parts of India, leading to dangerous conditions and even deaths. The relentless heat claimed the life of a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier stationed at the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Initial reports suggest that the soldier, hailing from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, succumbed to heat stroke. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts, predicting ongoing heatwave conditions in several states. In Himachal Pradesh, the capital city of Shimla recorded its hottest day of the season on Sunday, with the mercury rising to 30.6 degrees Celsius, breaking a 10-year record. The previous high was noted in 2014. Similarly, Una experienced extreme temperatures, reaching 44.4 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest location in Himachal Pradesh.

Heatwave alert in Himachal Pradesh

The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for Himachal Pradesh, warning residents and tourists about the severe conditions. The state, known for its generally pleasant weather, is now grappling with unusually high temperatures. The rise in temperature has prompted the local authorities to advise people to stay indoors during peak hours and to stay hydrated.

Precautionary measures in place in Delhi

In response to the heatwave, the Delhi Government has taken precautionary measures to handle potential heatstroke cases. Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj announced on Monday that government-run hospitals in Delhi would reserve two beds each specifically for heatstroke patients, while five beds would be allocated at the LNJP Hospital. It comes in the wake of a meeting with health department officials, which also addressed the recent fire at an east Delhi neonatal hospital that left seven newborns dead.

Red alert for Punjab

Punjab is also reeling under intense heatwave conditions. The IMD has issued a red alert for the state, predicting severe heatwave conditions, including unusually warm nights, from Monday to Wednesday. Many regions in Punjab experienced extreme temperatures on Monday. Faridkot recorded a staggering 47.4 degrees Celsius, the highest in the state. Pathankot, the region with the lowest maximum temperature, still reached a sweltering 41.7 degrees Celsius.

Other significant temperatures recorded include Patiala at 45.7 degrees Celsius, Chandigarh airport at 45.5 degrees Celsius, Amritsar at 45.2 degrees Celsius, Barnala at 44.9 degrees Celsius, and Ludhiana at 44.8 degrees Celsius. The lowest minimum temperature on Monday morning was 23 degrees Celsius in Ropar, while Mohali registered the highest minimum temperature at 28.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Chandigarh airport at 28.8 degrees Celsius.

No relief expected in coming days

Despite these extreme conditions, the IMD forecasts no major changes in temperature over the next 48 hours, though a slight decrease of around 2 degrees Celsius is expected thereafter.