Parts of northwest India are experiencing sweltering temperatures, with New Delhi, the capital, under a severe weather alert.
India’s weather department forecasts heatwave conditions to persist across the region for the next few days, prompting high alerts in several states.
On Friday, temperatures in parts of New Delhi soared to as high as 47.1°C. Nearby states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan also reported soaring temperatures, expected to remain elevated in the coming days, according to Soma Sen Roy, a scientist at the India Meteorological Department.
Ms. Roy advised against outdoor activities during the afternoon, recommended staying hydrated and wearing loose-fitting clothing.
She emphasised the importance of vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, staying indoors during this period of extreme heat.
The scorching temperatures in northern India coincide with the ongoing six-week-long general election, sparking concerns among experts about increased health risks.
Long queues at polling stations and aggressive outdoor campaigning by candidates pose potential dangers to voters and campaigners alike.
Last month, a minister collapsed due to the heat while addressing an election rally in Maharashtra state.
Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his main rival, Rahul Gandhi of the opposition Congress Party, are scheduled to hold rallies in New Delhi later today, as the city prepares for polling on May 25.
Amidst the heatwave, residents are feeling the impact on their daily lives. Satish Kumar, a 57-year-old rickshaw driver, noted a decline in customers due to the extreme heat, while Pravin Kamath, a 28-year
old vendor, expressed the challenges of working outdoors in such conditions, emphasising the necessity of continuing work despite the discomfort.
The scorching summer months of April, May, and June have always brought intense heat to most parts of India, preceding the relief of monsoon rains. However, over the past decade, the heat has intensified, exacerbating severe water shortages that affect tens of millions of India’s population, with many lacking access to running water.
According to a study by World Weather Attribution, the extreme heat wave that struck parts of Asia in April was significantly amplified by climate change, making it at least 45 times more likely in some regions of the continent.
Climate experts highlight that extreme heat events during South Asia’s pre-monsoon season are becoming more frequent, with temperatures now approximately 0.85°C hotter in the region due to climate change.
In April alone, at least 28 heat-related deaths were reported in Bangladesh, along with five in India. Similar surges in heat-related fatalities have been documented in Thailand and the Philippines this year.
Consequently, extreme heat poses a growing public health crisis in India, with over 150 deaths attributed to heat waves last year alone.
Despite government estimates indicating nearly 11,000 heat-related deaths this century, experts argue that the actual figures are likely significantly higher, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge.
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