A relentless heatwave sweeping Nagpur and the Vidarbha region has begun to exact a toll, with multiple suspected heat-related deaths reported as temperatures touched 47 degrees Celsius across parts of the region on the opening day of Nautapa, traditionally the harshest stretch of summer.
Nagpur Records 46.5°C, Ranks Among Hottest Globally
Nagpur clocked 46.5 degrees Celsius on Monday, ranking eighth among the hottest places globally. With nights offering little respite, authorities are probing a series of suspected heatstroke deaths across the city over the past few days.
Five Homeless Men Found Dead in 48 Hours
In a 48-hour span, five unidentified men in the 33-55 age group were found dead in Kapilnagar, Wathoda, Pachpaoli, Imamwada, and Hudkeshwar police limits. The deceased were homeless or linked to the Government Beggars' Reception Centre. They were found unconscious in gardens, near roadsides, and in open spaces, often wearing minimal clothing in an apparent attempt to cope with the oppressive heat.
Doctors at Mayo Hospital declared all of them dead on arrival. Though autopsy reports are awaited, police and health officials suspect prolonged exposure to extreme heat, dehydration, and starvation may have contributed to the deaths. Descriptions of the deceased have been circulated even as police attempt to establish their identities.
Heatwave Conditions Expected to Persist
The Indian Meteorological Department has warned that the heatwave is likely to continue for the next few days, with temperatures remaining above 45 degrees Celsius in many parts of Vidarbha. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors during peak hours and to stay hydrated.
This tragic incident underscores the vulnerability of homeless populations during extreme weather events. Local NGOs and civic bodies are being urged to set up cooling centers and distribute water to those in need.
