A severe heatwave grips northern India, impacting protesting farmers, residents facing extreme temperatures, and affecting voter turnout in the ongoing national election. Authorities are implementing water rationing measures to cope with the scorching heat, with concerns rising over health risks and dehydration among people and animals.
Severe Heatwave Sweeps Through Northern India
Hundreds of Indian farmers, who have been protesting for over 100 days between Punjab and Haryana, are facing a severe heatwave alongside millions battling extreme temperatures in northern India. On Tuesday, Delhi recorded its highest-ever temperature of 49.9 degrees Celsius (121.8 degrees Fahrenheit), just shy of 50 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department issued red alerts for several states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, reporting temperatures significantly above the seasonal norm. In Pakistan, temperatures soared above 52 degrees Celsius in Sindh province.
Delhi residents are experiencing water shortages due to the prolonged heatwave and reduced water deliveries from Haryana. Authorities have imposed water rationing, which will reduce the supply to neighborhoods from twice a day to once a day. Many are sleeping under trucks and cooling off by lakes to escape the heat.
The climatic conditions are also impacting the ongoing national election, with slightly lower voter turnout reported. The election, concluding on June 1, has seen voters braving long queues despite the oppressive heat, raising concerns over health risks. The heatwave has caused five reported deaths due to suspected heat stroke, although experts believe the actual toll may be higher.
Animals, notably the endangered chinkara, are also suffering from dehydration, with conservationists in Rajasthan stepping in to help.
The heatwave, intensifying in recent years, underscores the increased frequency of extreme weather events in India, a country highly vulnerable to such climatic conditions. The Indian Meteorological Department predicts relief from the heat starting Thursday.
