Heatwaves Kill At Least 40, Including Polling Officials | This Is How ECI Is Beating Heat For Voters

Life has come to a standstill in parts of Northern India due to extreme heat conditions. India reported at least 40 suspected heat stroke-related deaths on May 31. 25 of them were officials deployed on Lok Sabha poll duty in UP and Bihar. Parts of Bihar are voting in the final round of polling on June 01. Reports of at least 8 polling officials falling sick amid heatwave surfaced from Bihar The reports surfaced as preparation for the last phase of voting was underway. A similar case was reported from UP’s Sonbhadra. However, the situation turned for the worse in UP, as 2 polling officials died due to a heat-stroke. Seeing the ill-effects of sweltering heat on polling officials and voters, ECI made arrangements for comfort of voters so that heat doesn’t deter them from voting. Elongated shades have been erected in front of polling stations. Polling Stations are equipped with supplies of drinking water. The emergency medical kits will be kept at the multiple booth premises. Fans for voters and poll personnel have been installed.