Freak Heat Wave Killed 96 People in India

Officials in India said that at least 96 people have died in the country due to a severe heat wave, amid fears that the death toll could worsen.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the deaths were recorded in two of India's most populous states, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The authorities of the two states had warned residents over sixty years of age and those suffering from health disorders not to go out during the day, and urged them to stay in their homes.

In Uttar Pradesh, the number of heat victims has reached 54, and they are all in Palia district, 300 km from Lucknow, the state capital.

The authorities found that most of those who died were the elderly and those with diseases, who could not bear the hot weather.

The AP quoted a health official in the state as saying that more than 300 patients were hospitalized due to the heat wave, which forced the authorities to cancel doctors' leave.