16 die of heat-related causes in 2 hours in Bihar hospital

The maximum temperature in the city was 44 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

At 48.2 degrees, it was the hottest place in Bihar on Wednesday, setting a record for the state.

According to a doctor, at least 35 more patients have been admitted due to heat-related causes, but added that all arrangements are in place.

"We have enough doctors, medicines and ice packs, and more coolers have also been arranged," he said.

Bihar has been reeling under a heatwave and the state government had, on Wednesday, ordered the closure of all private and government-run schools, coaching institutes and anganwadi centres till June 8.

The decision was taken after dozens of students fainted due to the heat.

At least 16 girls had fainted at a government school in Sheikhpura district and, after an ambulance couldn't be arranged, they were taken to a hospital on two-wheelers and e-rickshaws.