Ballia, India – The scorching temperatures gripping India have taken a deadly toll, with at least 33 polling staff in Uttar Pradesh succumbing to heatstroke on the final day of voting. The chief electoral officer, Navdeep Rinwa, confirmed the tragic deaths of polling personnel, including security guards and sanitation staff, due to the intense heat on Saturday.
Rinwa announced that a monetary compensation of 1.5 million rupees would be provided to the families of the deceased individuals. Reports indicate that the temperatures soared above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in many regions, leading to multiple deaths from the relentless heatwave.
In a separate incident in Ballia city, a voter waiting in line to cast his ballot collapsed and was rushed to a health facility, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The India Meteorological Department reported that temperatures in Jhansi city peaked at 46.9C (116F) on Saturday, while the heat index reached a staggering 61C in Ballia.
Across the country, a total of 58 casualties were attributed to heat exposure on Saturday, with additional deaths reported in states like Bihar, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in India have been linked to climate change, with experts warning of the risks posed by extreme temperatures and dehydration.
Despite the challenging conditions, Indians turned out in large numbers to participate in the seven-phase elections, spread over six weeks. Exit polls suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised for a third consecutive term in office, with projections indicating a strong majority for his party in the lower house of Parliament.
As the nation awaits the final results, concerns remain about the impact of heatwaves on vulnerable populations and the urgent need for climate mitigation measures. With votes set to be counted and results announced in the coming days, the gravity of the situation underscores the necessity for increased awareness and preparedness in the face of escalating temperatures.