India Reported 84 Heatstroke Deaths in 2025 Summer: Study

At least 84 heatstroke deaths were reported across India between February and July this year, according to a new study, highlighting gaps in official reporting of heat-related fatalities.

The analysis, titled “Struck by Heat: A News Analysis of Heatstroke Deaths in India in 2025”, was released by non-profit HeatWatch. It claimed that India’s actual heat toll is being underestimated due to diagnostic blind spots, weak enforcement of worker protection laws, and outdated heatwave alerts that do not account for the combined effects of high temperature and humidity on human health.

In contrast, data obtained by PTI under the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recorded 7,192 suspected cases of heatstroke but confirmed only 14 deaths between March 1 and June 24 this year.

Experts say the discrepancy underscores the need for improved surveillance systems, more accurate reporting mechanisms, and stronger public health preparedness as India continues to face increasingly severe and frequent heatwaves.