Karnataka govt staffer dies in Belagavi, 2nd suspected heatstroke death in two days

Bengaluru/ Belagavi: Karnataka on Tuesday reported its second suspected heat stroke death in two days, even as the govt placed all district and taluk hospitals on high alert and ramped up emergency preparedness amid an intensifying heatwave sweeping large parts of the state.A day after a 20-year-old youth in Bidar was reported as Karnataka's first suspected heat stroke fatality, a 35-year-old govt officer in Belagavi district is suspected to have succumbed to similar conditions, heightening concern over the growing public health impact of soaring temperatures.The deceased, Venkatesh Ballari, chief officer of Chinchali town panchayat in Raiabag taluk, reportedly complained of dizziness and collapsed while participating in a Basaveshwar Jayanti programme Monday. He was rushed to nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Official confirmation on the cause of death is awaited.The back-to-back suspected fatalities come as temperatures inch towards 45 degrees Celsius in parts of Kalyana Karnataka, with several northern districts reeling under prolonged heat stress. In response, the health and family welfare department has constituted dedicated heatstroke wards in every district hospital to manage heat-related disorders.Hospitals set up special wardsHealth and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said all hospitals have been directed to respond to heatstroke-related emergencies. "The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave forecast over the next couple of weeks, with temperatures scaling up as high as 45 degrees in parts of Karnataka. Besides, the entire state is gripped by an intense heat condition with abnormal temperatures, especially in northern parts of Karnataka. In Bengaluru also, the situation is no different, with unusual increase in temperature. In view of this, a dedicated heatstroke ward has been set up in every hospital with adequate bed facilities. Doctors and other support staff have also been deputed to respond to the emergency," Rao said.Sources said the special wards will have five to 10 beds designed on the lines of intensive care units (ICUs), staffed round the clock by dedicated doctors and paramedical teams. The minister also urged people to avoid going outdoors between 11 am and 4 pm, stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.With two suspected deaths reported within 48 hours, the state's heatwave response has now shifted into emergency mode as officials brace for continued extreme temperatures in the coming weeks.
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