India, May 30 -- A relentless heatwave across Nagpur and the Vidarbha region has triggered a major public health concern, with 63 suspected heatstroke and sunstroke-related deaths reported over the past few days as temperatures remained above 45degC for nearly two weeks.

According to health department officials, more than 40 suspected heat-related deaths were recorded between May 26 and May 29 in Nagpur and neighbouring districts of Chandrapur, Gondia, Bhandara, Wardha and Gadchiroli, where temperatures touched a blistering 47degC.

Deputy director of health services, Nagpur division, Dr Shashikant Shambharkar, said the total number of suspected sunstroke deaths in the division had risen to 63. "We are clinically examining the exact caus...