Belagavi: Karnataka is witnessing a worrying rise in heatwave-related incidents, with a 35-year-old government official in Belagavi district suspected to have died due to heatstroke, marking the second such case in the state within 48 hours.
The deceased, identified as Venkatesh Ballari, was serving as the chief officer of Chinchali town panchayat in Raibag taluk. He reportedly felt dizzy and collapsed while attending a Basaveshwar Jayanti event on Monday. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Authorities have stated that the exact cause of death will be confirmed after medical reports.
Back-to-back cases raise concern
This incident comes just a day after a 20-year-old man, Mohammed Sameer, died in Bidar district after collapsing on his way back from a local market. He had reportedly been exposed to the sun for a prolonged period before losing consciousness.
Officials are awaiting post-mortem results in both cases. If confirmed, these would be among the first heatstroke-related deaths reported in Karnataka this summer, raising serious concerns about the impact of rising temperatures.
North Karnataka bears the brunt
Large parts of north Karnataka, particularly districts such as Bidar and Kalaburagi, are experiencing extreme heat conditions. Temperatures in these regions have already crossed 40°C, with some areas nearing 45°C.
The persistent heatwave has increased the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially among outdoor workers and those exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Government steps up preparedness
In response to the escalating situation, the state government has intensified its preparedness measures. Hospitals across districts have been placed on high alert, with dedicated heatstroke wards being set up to handle emergencies.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has urged residents to take precautions, including avoiding outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours and ensuring adequate hydration.
Officials said these specialised wards will be equipped with necessary medical support and staffed round-the-clock to respond quickly to heat-related cases.
Bengaluru also feels the relentless heat, rain still a week away
Even the state capital, which typically experiences milder summers, is currently facing above-normal temperatures.
The city recorded maximum temperatures between 36.4°C and 36.8°C, around 2 to 3 degrees higher than the seasonal average. According to the India Meteorological Department, daytime temperatures in Bengaluru are expected to remain between 36°C and 37°C over the next week.
Weather experts attribute the ongoing conditions to an anti-cyclonic circulation over central India, which is keeping both daytime and nighttime temperatures elevated.
Relief likely but not immediate
While the current conditions remain severe, there are early signs of potential relief. Isolated rainfall has already been reported in parts of the state, including Dharwad and Shivamogga.
The IMD has forecast scattered showers accompanied by gusty winds in districts such as Kodagu, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru in the coming days. However, widespread rainfall is still at least a week away, meaning heatwave conditions are likely to persist in the short term.
Conclusion
With two suspected heatstroke deaths reported in quick succession, Karnataka’s heatwave is emerging as a serious public health concern. Authorities have stepped up preparedness, but the coming days will be critical as temperatures remain high and relief remains limited.
Residents are advised to stay indoors during peak hours, drink plenty of fluids and remain vigilant for early signs of heat-related illnesses as the state braces for continued extreme weather.