Ten polling personnel died due to heatstroke in Bihar as extreme temperatures impact daily life in several states. The Lok Sabha polls are being held in seven phases in Bihar, with the last phase to be held tomorrow.
As per the Bihar government, a total of 14 people, including 10 polling personnel succumbed to death due to heatstroke.
The Disaster Management Department in a state said, "Among the 14 deaths, 14 polling personnel are from Bhojpur district, 3 from Rohtas district, 1 from Kaimur district, and 1 polling personnel and 4 other persons from Aurangabad district."
The government announced payment of ex-gratia to the families of those who died due to heatstroke.
Bihar is reeling under heatwave conditions, with mercury crossing 44 degrees Celsius at several places. On Thursday, Buxar's temperature soared to 47.1 degrees Celsius.
Places that recorded temperatures over 44 degreed Celsius are Aurangabad (46.1 deg C ), Dehri (46 deg C), Gaya (45.2 deg C), Arwal (44.8 deg C) and Bhojpur (44.1 deg C). In Patna, the maximum temperature was recorded at 40.7 deg C.
The Indian Meteorological Department predicted heatwave conditions for another three to four days in the state. "People are advised to avoid heat exposure, keep cool and avoid dehydration," a senior official of the Bihar Disaster Management Department was quoted as saying by PTI.
Due to the heatwave conditions, all schools, coaching institutes and anganwadi centres have been shut till June 8.
