184 deaths reported as Indians battle heatwave

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI (AA) - A heatwave in the eastern Indian state of Bihar has so far killed 184 people this season, according to the figures released by the disaster management department.

Most of the deaths have been reported from Aurangabad, Gaya and Nawada districts.

India is facing a severe heatwave with temperatures in Churu town in Rajasthan surpassing 122 Fahrenheit (50 Celsius).

At least 34 deaths were reported Sunday in Aurangabad and more than 200 people were being treated at hospitals.

The local government in Gaya imposed a section of the law that prohibits unlawful assembly, but said it wanted residents to stay indoors so they would not suffer from the deadly heat.

According to a circular issued by the district, all government and non-government construction works, and cultural programs or gathering in open spaces between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time have been banned.

The government also ordered all government and government-aided schools to remain closed until June 22 across the state.

“We have asked people to remain indoor in view of prevailing heatwave conditions,” Abhishek Singh, district magistrate of Gaya told Anadolu Agency. “There are many people who are admitted and undergoing treatment in the city. We are monitoring the situation.”

Concerned by the deaths, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar announced a compensation of Rs 400,000 ($5,800) to victims’ families.