Forty-two people have already succumbed to heat wave in West Bengal; chief minister Mamata Banerjee has asked district administrations to step up measures.
With a heat wave prevailing across southern West Bengal, the death toll rose to 42, with 12 more people succumbing today in Kolkata and other districts, police said.
"Four people each in Burdwan's Asansol, Jhargram in West Midnapore and two each in Hooghly and Kolkata died due to the extreme heat. Several people have been hospitalised across the state," a police officer said.
ADVERTISEMENT
u00a0
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed concern over the heat wave toll and has instructed the district administrations to take precautionary steps.
u00a0
"The chief minister has expressed deep concern over the rising number of deaths due to the heat and has asked the health department to issue necessary orders to the district administrations to take necessary steps," Minister of State for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya said.
u00a0
Additional beds, generators and fans are being provided to the government-run hospitals in West Midnapore, Burdwan, Hooghly, Howrah and Birbhum. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) packets, drinking water tanks and shelters along roads are being put up in the districts, added Bhattacharya.
u00a0
Government hospital staff have been asked not to take any leave.
u00a0
Thirty people reportedly died Tuesday in the heat wave.
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
