South Asia sees highest Covid deaths this week, India in the lead

South Asia – comprising India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka – accounts for 11.5% of global Covid-19 infections and 6.8% of deaths.

India alone makes up for over 88% of cases and 85% of deaths in the region.

The world is seeing its biggest vaccination campaign but, at the same time, is also experiencing a new wave of Covid-19 infections.

The coronavirus pandemic has so far infected more than 135 million people and killed over 2.9 million since late January 2020.

Efforts to tackle the pandemic are going on worldwide. Roughly 18.8 million doses of vaccine are being administered in a single day. Countries are enforcing lockdowns and halting international travels.

But, worldwide deaths due to Covid-19 are increasing.

When it comes to South Asia, India is on the top.

On Wednesday, India reported 1,038 deaths from the novel coronavirus, taking its death toll to 1,73,123. At the same time, the active cases surpassed the 14 lakh mark.

Yesterday, the country reported a record 2,00,739 new cases that make the country the second worst-infected after the United States.

Thus far, the total number of Covid-19 cases in India has gone up to 1,40,74,564.

Meanwhile, Pakistan on Wednesday saw 135 Covid deaths – the highest number of fatalities since 30 June last year when it reported 159 deaths. With this, the country reported over 100 Covid deaths in the last 24 days for the third straight day.

The death toll in Pakistan until Thursday climbed to 15,872, while the total number of cases stood at 7,39,818.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh with 94 deaths on Thursday – the second highest deaths till date – crossed the grim 10,000-mark.

On the previous day, the country reported its highest single-day 96 deaths from Covid-19.

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh – all have seen their highest Covid-19 deaths this week.