At least five people died in Indian capital Delhi and nearly 14 others in the neighboring city of Noida due to heatstroke over the past 72 hours, forcing the federal government to issue an advisory to public hospitals to prioritize heatstroke patients' treatment.

Besides, more than 60 patients suffering from heatstroke were admitted at various hospitals. Most of them were said to be laborers or those aged above 65 years.

Delhi and nearby areas have been witnessing intense heatwave conditions over the past few days, with the mercury hovering around 45 degrees Celsius during daytime.

Meanwhile, according to a report by private news agency ANI, flights operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport were adversely affected due to hot weather.

(Cover: Workers work during a hot afternoon at a construction site in New Delhi, India, June 18, 2024. /CFP)