A severe heatwave has claimed at least 33 lives, including several election officials, in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha over the past 48 hours, according to Indian authorities. The fatalities were confirmed on Friday, as reported by Reuters.

In Bihar, 14 people have died due to heatstroke, including 10 officials overseeing the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. In Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, at least nine election officials and workers succumbed to heat-related illnesses. Additionally, 23 people have been hospitalized for heat-related conditions across these states.

Odisha has also reported 10 deaths, while Jharkhand has seen three fatalities attributed to the extreme heat. In response to the escalating situation, residents have been advised to stay indoors from 11 am to 3 pm to avoid the peak heat.

The Indian Meteorological Department has indicated that the heatwave will persist until Saturday. On May 29, Delhi experienced the highest temperature ever recorded in the capital, soaring to 52.3 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 49.2 degrees Celsius set in 2002.

Bihar's Aurangabad district recorded a temperature of 44 degrees Celsius on May 30, the highest in the state, leading to 16 deaths in the district hospital on the same day. 

Bihar has been enduring prolonged heatwave conditions. In response, the state government announced the closure of all private and government schools, coaching institutes, and Anganwadi centers until June 8 to protect children from the severe heat.

The ongoing heatwave underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat extreme weather conditions and protect vulnerable populations. The situation continues to be monitored closely, with authorities urging citizens to take necessary precautions to stay safe.