Lead

India is enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius in several regions, causing deaths, disruptions, and an unprecedented burden on residents and workers. At least 16 people have died of heatstroke in the southern state of Telangana, according to officials, while the capital New Delhi has seen temperatures climb close to 45 degrees. Authorities have opened temporary cooling shelters and issued health advisories as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that extreme conditions will persist.

Coverage Comparison

Temperatures have soared well above 45 degrees in parts of India, as reported by ABC Australia, with Africa News noting that the capital's temperatures climbed close to 45 degrees. The heatwave has prompted a range of responses: ABC Australia highlighted the United Nations' warning of a moderate to strong El Niño this year, which could exacerbate climate extremes. Africa News reported on the opening of cooling shelters in the capital and quoted the India Meteorological Department's forecast of an 'above-normal number of heatwave days' in several regions. Dawn reported at least 16 heatstroke deaths in southern India and noted that the India Meteorological Department predicted above-normal temperatures and intense heatwave conditions. The Al Jazeera report emphasized the brutal conditions faced by workers in the salt pans of Gujarat, where temperatures routinely exceed 45 degrees and can climb to 47-48°C, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting an 'above-normal number of heatwave days' this year.

Key Claims

  • Heat-related deaths: Dawn reported that at least 16 people have died of heatstroke in southern India, specifically in Telangana, with Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy calling for 'statewide vigilance.' The report also noted that health experts say extreme heat can cause dehydration, thickening the blood, and organ failure in severe cases.
  • Temperatures: The capital New Delhi saw temperatures close to 45 degrees Celsius, while ABC Australia reported that parts of India exceeded 45 degrees, with some regions in Uttar Pradesh reaching 48.2 degrees, as per Africa News. The country's highest officially recorded temperature is 51°C, measured at Phalodi, Rajasthan, in 2016, according to Dawn.
  • Cooling measures: In New Delhi, authorities opened temporary cooling shelters with fans, air coolers, drinking water, and oral rehydration salts. Health officials advised people to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day and seek medical attention for symptoms like dizziness, as per Africa News.
  • Forecast and warning: The India Meteorological Department has forecast an 'above-normal number of heatwave days' this year in several regions, including Gujarat, as reported by Al Jazeera. Africa News also reported IMD warnings of extreme temperatures persisting in the coming days across the northern plains.
  • Impact on daily life: In Banda, maximum temperatures reached 48.2°C, prompting local authorities to suspend classes and announce early summer holidays. Farmers have shifted work to nighttime, and some roads and markets have closed during afternoon hours, as reported by Africa News.
  • Salt pan workers: In Gujarat's salt pans, up to 50,000 seasonal workers endure near-unliveable conditions, living on salt flats without electricity, healthcare, or permanent shelter. They report fatigue, dizziness, and nausea, symptoms of heat stress, according to Al Jazeera. Workers adapt by working early mornings and after sunset, and building shelters from sticks and cloth, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • El Niño and climate change: The United Nations warned of a moderate to strong El Niño this year, with a 'near or above 90 per cent' likelihood of development by November, as reported by ABC Australia. India has forecast an El Niño-weakened monsoon this year. Climate researchers say rising global temperatures are making heatwaves longer and more intense across South Asia, and India has experienced more frequent and severe heat waves over the past decade, as per multiple reports.

Perspectives

  • India Meteorological Department: The government's weather agency warns of extreme temperatures persisting and forecasts an above-normal number of heatwave days across several regions, including Gujarat.
  • Telangana Government: The state government, through Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, called for statewide vigilance to protect public health in response to the unprecedented heat, advising the elderly, children, and pregnant women to stay indoors.
  • Salt pan workers: They express that conditions are so hot that it is impossible to stand during the day, describing their adaptation methods, and scientists and health experts say the conditions lead to heat stress symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and nausea, which can cause organ failure.