No letup in heatwave: DGHS reports 11 heatstroke deaths in 8 days
Experts believe the actual number could be higher; Jashore records season’s highest temperature at 43.8°C
As the heatwave continues to sweep the country, Jashore recorded the season's highest temperature of 43.8 degrees Celsius today (30 April), according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
"This is the highest temperature recorded in the country so far this year." BMD Meteorologist Shahnaz Sultana told The Business Standard.
Chuadanga recorded 43.7 degrees Celsius yesterday, while Dhaka reached 38.6 degrees Celsius. There is a chance of rain from 2 May, she added.
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Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed at least 11 heatstroke deaths across Bangladesh in the past eight days, with one fatality occurring in the last 24 hours. Eight of the deceased were male, and three female.
Five additional individuals have been hospitalised due to heatstroke. The DGHS broadened the scope of data collection to include deaths reported since 22 April.
However, public health experts believe the actual number of heatstroke victims could be significantly higher than that in the official estimates.
As the DGHS currently only gathers data from government hospitals, the number of patients treated at private facilities remains unknown. Unofficial reports suggest a nationwide death toll exceeding 40 from suspected heatstroke as of yesterday.
According to the DGHS, heatstroke symptoms include a body temperature exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, nausea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and potentially dry or damp, hot skin. Confusion, slurred speech and fainting might also occur.
Six deaths in Nilphamari and Munshiganj
At least six people died yesterday in Nilphamari and Munshiganj, possibly from heatstroke.
In Nilphamari's Jaldhaka upazila, four individuals - Lal Babu, 52, Manir Hossain, 52, Mansur, 55, and Khodeza, 65 - reportedly fell ill and died while working outdoors in the extreme heat. Jaldhaka Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ashraful Haque confirmed the report.
Munshiganj also reported two deaths of elderly individuals following heat-related illnesses.
Farmer Omar Ali from Mollar Char and Abdul Baten Majhi from Manikpur died after falling sick due to intense heat, said Dr Shoibal Basak, in charge of Munshiganj General Hospital's emergency department.
However, Habibur Rahman, Abdul Baten Majhi's cousin, mentioned his uncle's pre-existing heart condition. He said Baten Majhi fell ill while visiting the District Registrar's Office and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
