During the past two weeks, as a severe heatwave engulfed the capital, hospitals in Delhi, both central and city-run, have seen at least 90 deaths of patients suffering from heatstroke.

Hospitals reported a surge in heatstroke deaths, with the majority of fatalities being men over 40.

Alarmingly, at least 132 people arrived dead within a four-day period (June 18-21).

Health officials are reviewing post-mortem reports (including those of homeless patients) to see if pre-existing conditions played a role in the heatstroke deaths.

Since March, there have been 90 cases of heat stroke and 29 deaths documented at the center-run Safdarjung Hospital alone.

Heat-related morbidity and mortality have disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, which include the following:

The most vulnerable areas hit by this heatwave include: