Explained: Why Rajasthan Witnesses Deaths Due To Heat Stroke Every Year?

Six more deaths suspected to be caused by heat stroke were reported in Rajasthan as the temperature soared to 49 degrees Celsius on Friday, officials stated. This follows reports of five similar deaths in the state on Thursday. The Rajasthan Disaster Management and Relief Department confirmed three deaths in Balotra, and one each in Bhilwara, Bikaner, and Jodhpur.

The Meteorological Centre in Jaipur highlighted Phalodi as the hottest place in the state, recording a scorching 49 degrees Celsius. On Friday, the day temperature reached 48.3 degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer, 48.2 degrees Celsius in Barmer, 46.7 degrees Celsius in Kota, 47.6 degrees Celsius in Jodhpur, 46.6 degrees Celsius in Ganganagar, 45.8 degrees Celsius in Bikaner, 44.8 degrees Celsius in Churu, and 42.8 degrees Celsius in Jaipur, as per reports from the centre.

Rajasthan's scorching weather is not just a coincidence; it is a result of various geographical factors.

Rajasthan's Hot Climate Explained

1. Geographical Location
Rajasthan sits within the vast Thar Desert, covering much of its land. This desert landscape, with its sandy terrain and sparse vegetation, absorbs a lot of sunlight, making the area super hot.

2. Distance from the Arabian Sea
Even though Rajasthan is close to the Arabian Sea, it doesn't benefit much from it. The Aravalli mountain range acts as a barrier, stopping the sea's cooling winds from reaching Rajasthan, and leaving it hot and dry.

3. Rain Shadow Effect
The Aravalli range doesn't just block winds; it also creates a rain shadow effect. Moist winds from the Arabian Sea release rain on the western side of the range, leaving the eastern side, including Rajasthan, dry and thirsty.

4. Lack of Water Bodies
Unlike areas with big lakes or rivers, Rajasthan doesn't have many water bodies to cool things down. This lack of water means less chance of rain, more dryness, and hotter temperatures.

5. Thar Desert Influence
The Thar Desert's massive sandy stretches and lack of greenery make Rajasthan even hotter. Sand holds onto heat during the day and releases it slowly at night, leading to extreme temperature swings.

In summary, Rajasthan's extreme heat is due to its northwest location, arid desert landscape, lack of vegetation, absence of large water bodies, and atmospheric conditions. These factors combine to create scorching temperatures, especially during summer, despite the state's proximity to the Arabian Sea.

Heatwave Precautions Issued by Rajasthan's Health Department

In response to the weather office's alert about the upcoming extreme heat conditions, Shubhra Singh, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, has taken proactive steps.

She has directed all medical institutions to make strong arrangements to prevent and treat illnesses related to the heatwave. This includes ensuring that coolers, fans, air conditioners, and water coolers are working in hospitals. Additionally, any necessary measures to combat the heatwave must be completed within three days.

These instructions aim to safeguard the health of the people of Rajasthan during the expected heatwave period.