A severe heatwave sweeping across northern India has claimed the lives of at least 52 people in New Delhi, according to a report by the Times of India on Thursday. The country is grappling with record-high temperatures this summer, significantly impacting vulnerable populations.
Hospitals in New Delhi have reported receiving 52 bodies in the past two days, most of whom were destitute individuals living and working outdoors. This summer has seen over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases across India, with at least 110 confirmed deaths between March 1 and June 18. Northwest and eastern India have experienced double the usual number of heatwave days during this period.
The prolonged heatwave has exacerbated water shortages and led to record power demand, straining resources and infrastructure.
In response, the health ministry has directed federal and state institutions to ensure immediate medical attention for heatstroke patients, and hospitals have been instructed to increase bed capacity to accommodate the influx of patients.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast above-normal temperatures for the remainder of the month. On Wednesday, New Delhi experienced its warmest night in over 50 years, with a minimum temperature of 35.2 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
This extreme heatwave is part of a broader trend affecting billions of people across Asia, which scientists attribute to human-driven climate change.
Hospitals in New Delhi have reported receiving 52 bodies in the past two days, most of whom were destitute individuals living and working outdoors. This summer has seen over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases across India, with at least 110 confirmed deaths between March 1 and June 18. Northwest and eastern India have experienced double the usual number of heatwave days during this period.
The prolonged heatwave has exacerbated water shortages and led to record power demand, straining resources and infrastructure.
In response, the health ministry has directed federal and state institutions to ensure immediate medical attention for heatstroke patients, and hospitals have been instructed to increase bed capacity to accommodate the influx of patients.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast above-normal temperatures for the remainder of the month. On Wednesday, New Delhi experienced its warmest night in over 50 years, with a minimum temperature of 35.2 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
This extreme heatwave is part of a broader trend affecting billions of people across Asia, which scientists attribute to human-driven climate change.
