India has experienced a devastating heat wave from March to May, resulting in at least 56 fatalities and nearly 25,000 cases of suspected heat stroke, according to government data reported by local media.
Impact of the Heat Wave
A severe heat wave has gripped the nation, with temperatures in the capital, Delhi, and the nearby state of Rajasthan reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in May. The extreme heat has led to widespread health issues and fatalities, with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reporting 46 heat-related deaths and 19,189 suspected heat stroke cases in May alone.
Regional Contrasts
While the northern and central regions of India swelter under the intense heat, parts of eastern India have been battered by Cyclone Remal. In Assam, heavy rains have caused flooding, resulting in 14 deaths since Tuesday. Similarly, in Sri Lanka, heavy monsoon rains have triggered flooding and landslides, claiming at least 15 lives, according to the country’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Broader Context
Scientists attribute the severity of this summer’s heat to a combination of factors, exacerbated by human-driven climate change. The toll has been particularly high in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha, where at least 33 people, including election officials, died of suspected heatstroke during India’s recently concluded general election.
Detailed Statistics
Data from The Print reveals that May was the worst month, with the highest number of heat-related incidents. The Hindu reported that the total number of deaths, including suspected cases, could be as high as 80. In Madhya Pradesh alone, over 5,000 cases of heatstroke were recorded.
Outlook
The weather office has predicted a reprieve from the severe heatwave conditions until Wednesday. The early arrival of the monsoon in Kerala last week is also expected to bring some relief to the southern regions of the country.
As South Asia continues to grapple with extreme weather patterns, the effects of climate change remain a pressing concern, highlighting the urgent need for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.