At least 96 people died in two of India's most populous States, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, over the last several days, officials said on June 18, with swaths of the country reeling from a sweltering heatwave.
The deaths happened in northern State of Uttar Pradesh and eastern Bihar where authorities warned residents over 60 and others suffering various maladies to stay indoors during the daytime.
All the fatalities in Uttar Pradesh, totaling 54, were reported in Ballia district, some 300 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Lucknow, the State capital. Authorities found out most of those who passed away were over 60 years old and had preexisting health conditions, which may have been exacerbated by the intense heat.
