Worldwide deaths related to COVID-19 surpassed 5 million, less than two years into the global crisis, according to the US-based Johns Hopkins University.

The US, the European Union, the UK, and Brazil together account for one-eighth of the world's population but nearly half of all reported deaths. 

The US alone has lost over 740,000 lives.

According to the university's data, countries with over 130,000 fatalities include Mexico, Russia, Peru, the UK, and Italy.

In the 22 months following the start of the outbreak, hotspots have shifted; the virus is currently wreaking havoc on Russia, Ukraine, and other parts of Eastern Europe. The limited number of fully vaccinated adults plays a major role in assisting virus transmission, as can be seen in Ukraine and Armenia where vaccinated adults constitute 17 percent and 7 percent of the population respectively.

Despite the terrifying Delta variant surge, which peaked in early May, India now has a much lower reported daily death rate than wealthier countries such as Russia, the US, or Britain, though its figures are uncertain.

It is worth mentioning that global COVID-19 deaths hit 1 million on Sept. 28, 2020, reached 3 million on April 17 before surpassing 4 million on July 7.