Eight more people die as India experiences 'longest' heatwave.
India is currently suffering the longest heatwave the country has ever witnessed, according to a top weather authority.
A terrible heatwave continues to wreak havoc in India, with the eastern state of Odisha reporting eight deaths in the past 72 hours.
Official numbers issued in May revealed that 60 individuals died in India from March to May as a result of heat-related ailments.
However, the figure is likely to be substantially higher because heat-related mortality are underreported in rural areas.
Officials say India is experiencing the longest heatwave since records began. Some locations have lately seen temperatures rise above 50 degrees Celsius.
"This has been the longest spell because it has been experienced for about 24 days in different parts of the country," Mrutyunjay Mohapatra of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) told the Indian Express newspaper.
Northern India has been suffering excessive heat since mid-May, with temperatures ranging from 45 to 50 degrees Celsius in numerous locations.
Some sections of the country have also experienced water shortages, with high heat putting a strain on resources.
Authorities reported earlier this month that at least 18 polling personnel deployed for the last phase of the general elections in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar died of heat-related diseases.
On May 31, at least 33 individuals, including poll officials, perished from suspected heatstroke in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. The monsoon, which touched India's southern coast in Kerala state on May 30, is expected to provide some relief as it moves north in the following days.
The IMD predicts an above-average monsoon season in the country this year.
However, Mr. Mohapatra stated that "heatwaves will be more frequent, durable and intense, if precautionary or preventive measures are not taken.
" The weather service has forecast hot conditions across northwest and eastern India over the next five days.
