Over 90% heatwave deaths occurred in 5 states between 2018 and 2022

Number of heatwave days in India expected to rise in coming years

Five states accounted for nine out of 10 heat-related deaths in the last five years for which data is available.

Bihar topped the list with 123 deaths between 2018 and 2021, according to data shared in Parliament. This was followed by Telangana (42), Andhra Pradesh (37), Maharashtra (13) and Gujarat (11) (chart 1).

Overall, there were at least 244 deaths, according to data shared in Parliament, though the National Crime Records Bureau suggests that the number was higher. For example, the bureau recorded 374 deaths in 2021 alone, and 530 in 2020.

The heatwave in north India is said to