Heatwave claims lives of over 200 people in India

Over 200 people, including many workers on election duty, have died in India in the past few days due to severe heatwaves. At least 50 deaths were reported in the last 72 hours, bringing the total number of heatstroke-related deaths to 211. The election commission assigned these workers before the polling began. The election commission of India has faced criticism for not considering the heatwave warnings while planning the national elections, which have close to a billion eligible voters. Voters have been enduring extreme heat without proper protection. In earlier phases, voters complained of discomfort, and some even fainted due to the heat. India has experienced a harsh heatwave this year, with temperatures reaching close to 50 degrees Celsius in Delhi, leading to water and electricity shortages. The number of heatwave days across India in May has increased by 125%, significantly impacting a billion people, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Scientific studies have linked the extreme temperatures in India to the human-caused climate crisis, resulting in longer and more severe heatwaves. This summer has also brought record-breaking temperatures to other parts of Asia, and the past 12 months have been the hottest on record globally. The extreme heat in Indian cities is worsened by the lack of green spaces and extensive concretization. The Delhi high court has warned the government about the consequences of unchecked deforestation, stating that the city could turn into a "barren desert." The court has directed the Delhi government to provide necessary support to the committee overseeing forest protection, now called the 'Special Empowered Committee.' As northern and central India grapples with the heatwave, neighboring Pakistan is also facing extreme temperatures, while parts of north India and Bangladesh are dealing with flooding caused by cyclone Remal. Additionally, most of Sri Lanka is under flood and landslide alerts due to heavy rains. The heatwave in northern and central India, as well as parts of the west, has been relentless for the past two weeks, with temperatures hovering around 45-46 degrees Celsius and even reaching 50 degrees in some areas. However, the Indian weather department predicts that temperatures will decrease in the coming days with the onset of the monsoon. Many regions are facing water and electricity shortages due to increased power consumption, leading to frequent power cuts. On the last day of voting in India, at least 33 polling staff died from heatstroke in just one state, Uttar Pradesh. The chief electoral officer confirmed the deaths, which included security guards and sanitation staff. The India Meteorological Department reported high temperatures in various cities, with some areas experiencing a heat index as high as 61 degrees Celsius. The total number of deaths due to heat exposure across the country on that day was 58, with additional deaths reported in Bihar, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh states. Experts explain that extreme heat exposure can lead to dehydration, thickening of the blood, and organ failures. Climate change is making heatwaves in India longer, more frequent, and more intense. Nearly a billion Indians were registered to vote in the massive seven-phase elections that lasted six weeks and concluded recently. The votes will be counted soon, and the final results are expected to be announced shortly.