New Delhi: At least 54 people have died and around 400 hospitalised in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia District Hospital in the last three days amid soaring temperatures, media reports said.

Though there are different reasons for the deaths, according to the doctors, severe heat could be a factor.

Hospitalisations are rising due to the severe heat, they said.

A severe heatwave has swept UP, with most places experiencing temperatures at 40 degrees.

The sudden increase in deaths and patients being admitted to hospitals with fever, breathing trouble, and other issues have overwhelmed the hospital, which has put its staff on alert.

About 23 patients died on June 15, 20 the next day, and 11 on Saturday, SK Yadav, in-charge Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Ballia, said.