Monday, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian stated that the deaths of five individuals after an IAF event at Marina Beach were caused by “high temperatures.” He also highlighted humidity as a significant factor in such incidents. Here’s why
Five people lost their lives, and over 90 others were hospitalized following an Indian Air Force air show in Chennai on Sunday, October 6, which drew around 1.2 million spectators to Marina Beach.
On Monday, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian attributed the deaths to “high temperatures.” Opposition leaders criticized the state government and the city’s municipal authorities, citing “maladministration” and inadequate traffic management for the tragedy.
A senior police official told The Indian Express: “More than 150 people were given first aid across different parts of the city due to dehydration and stress. One person died on the beach, another near Napier Bridge, while others passed away at various locations on their way home. There was no stampede at any particular spot.”
At what point does heat become hazardous to health?
Temperature alone isn’t the sole factor behind deadly conditions — it’s the combination of high heat and humidity, known as the “wet bulb” temperature, that poses the greatest risk. When the air is saturated with moisture, it hinders the evaporation of sweat, preventing the body from cooling itself effectively. This leads to a dangerous rise in internal body temperature, which can often be fatal.