100 Suspected Sunstroke Deaths In May, Cases Under Audit Of Govt Panel

Nagpur: With nearly 100 suspected sunstroke-related deaths in May under review of the district death audit committee, Nagpur witnessed one of its harshest summers in recent years, underscoring the growing impact of extreme weather events on public health.Among the most disturbing indicators of the season's severity was the death of 98 unidentified persons on the streets in May, many of whom are suspected to have succumbed to heat-related illnesses, health officials told TOI.Such deaths are reviewed by the district death audit committee comprising civil surgeon, medical officer (health) of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), public health officials and medical college doctors before confirming heatstroke. Health officials said deaths of unidentified persons during peak summer afternoons are treated as suspected cases until complete histopathological investigation reports are available. "These take two months to be tabled. The reports before the death audit panel which can only confirm heatstroke," they said. However, civic officials said it becomes difficult to pursue autopsy reports due to absence of relatives and thus it takes time.The alarming toll came into sharp focus on the eve of World Environment Day, raising concerns over rising temperatures, urban heat stress and the increasing vulnerability of people living on the margins. Most of the deceased were homeless and destitute living on pavements, under flyovers and in open spaces, with no or limited access to shelter, drinking water or medical care. The crisis intensified during the final week of May. Records show that 31 bodies of unknown persons were reported within just two days — 16 on May 27 and 15 on May 28. In another alarming episode, 11 suspected heatstroke deaths were recorded within a single 24-hour period, reflecting the deadly impact of prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. These 11 included those found dead in unreserved coaches of trains passing through Nagpur. According to data, 59 unidentified natural deaths were reported at Indira Gandhi Govt Medical College and Hospital while 39 deaths were recorded at Govt Medical College and Hospital. Besides these 98, a couple of deaths of labourers from suspected sunstroke were recorded in peri-urban areas in March and April. Nagpur experienced exceptionally harsh weather throughout May, with temperatures repeatedly touching 45°C to 46.5°C for more than 12 days.Some parts of Vidarbha like Bramhapuri and Wardha recorded temperatures of 47°C. This year was marked by unusually prolonged and intense heatwave conditions. IMD scientist Pravin Kumar told TOI that May normally records 5 to 6 heatwave days. "This time the number doubled. It was also the driest phase for the region in the absence of rainfall," he said.Medical experts warn that sustained exposure to such temperatures can trigger dehydration, heatstroke, electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure, cardiovascular stress and multi-organ complications, particularly among vulnerable populations. Many of the victims are believed to have suffered from a combination of these conditions.The deaths are currently classified as suspected heatstroke fatalities and are undergoing detailed medical audits. Hospitals also reported an unusual surge in unclaimed bodies during the heatwave, highlighting how extreme weather disproportionately affects the homeless, elderly and socially isolated.The impact extended beyond Nagpur city. Earlier official figures documented 63 suspected sunstroke deaths across the Nagpur division, including Chandrapur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia and Gadchiroli, before the toll rose further.