A recent study has revealed that over 35,000 people lost their lives in India due to extreme temperatures between 2001 and 2019. The study highlights an upward trend in deaths caused by both heatstroke and cold exposure, with the highest fatalities in states like Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. Researchers stress the need for action plans to mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures, especially with global warming increasing such events.

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• 35,000 deaths in India due to extreme heat and cold from 2001 to 2019
• 2015 saw 1,907 heatstroke deaths and 1,147 cold exposure fatalities
• Deaths from heat and cold increasing over the years, with a significant rise in heatstroke deaths
• Men of working age are more likely to die from extreme temperatures
• Heat-related deaths are 3 to 5 times higher in men; cold-related deaths 4 to 7 times higher
• States with highest heatstroke deaths: Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab
• States with highest cold exposure deaths: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar
• Study calls for urgent implementation of heat and cold action plans in vulnerable states
• India experiencing frequent extreme temperature events, requiring preventive measures
• Global temperature fluctuations could increase the impact of extreme heat and cold on health and infrastructure