A soaring heatwave across the northern plains claimed 12 lives in Bihar on Thursday. IMD data shows temperatures reached 44 degrees Celsius in many parts of the state. The disaster management department confirmed the deaths, but the exact cause remains unclear as many bereaved families refused post-mortem examinations. Reports for the remaining deceased are still pending. Suspected heatstroke deaths were reported in Arwal, Buxar, Rohtas, and Begusarai districts.

Suspected heatstroke caused deaths in Arwal, Buxar, Rohtas, and Begusarai districts.

“A senior official of the state Disaster Management Department stated that the authorities will only be able to state the reasons behind the deaths after receiving the autopsy reports. At present, they cannot comment on the matter, as they are awaiting some post-mortem examination reports.”

Previously, the Bihar government mandated the closure of all private and government-run schools, coaching institutes, and Anganwadi centers until June 8 due to severe weather conditions.
The father of the children stated, “I was out for work. They left home around 9-9.30 am to get medicines. When they returned, they fell ill and died. My mother and wife were with them. They succumbed to heatstroke.”

The children were brought dead to the hospital, as stated by Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. RK Rajoriya. Dr. Rajoriya mentioned, “We dispatched our team to the location. The two children had traveled in an autorickshaw with their mother and grandmother. They experienced discomfort on their way back. One of the children was already unwell and had a fever.”

“He added that the other child was healthy. They took them to the hospital, but they were brought dead. The relatives did not request any postmortem or inform the police,” he added.

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