According to a local group's report, an intense heatwave in India's capital has resulted in the deaths of many homeless individuals.
A local group's report indicates that a heatwave in India's capital has resulted in the deaths of dozens of homeless individuals.
June 20: A group focused on aiding the homeless revealed that the current heatwave in northern India has resulted in the deaths of nearly 200 homeless people in New Delhi in the past week. The nation is grappling with unusually high summer temperatures.
According to the Times of India's Thursday report, hospitals received 52 bodies in the past 48 hours, predominantly of impoverished individuals who lived and worked outdoors.
Between June 11 and June 19, a total of 192 homeless people in New Delhi lost their lives, surpassing previous years' figures, as per government data disclosed by the non-profit organization Centre for Holistic Development.
"The most vulnerable bear the brunt of climate change impacts. Many of these individuals live under flyovers or in open spaces without adequate protection from the heat. These deaths are primarily attributable to the ongoing heatwave," said Sunil Kumar Aledia, director of CHD, in an interview with Reuters.
India has recorded more than 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke this summer, with at least 110 confirmed deaths reported between March 1 and June 18. During this period, northwest and eastern India have witnessed more than double the usual number of heatwave days.
In a Thursday editorial, The Hindu newspaper argued that an extended summer should be classified as a natural disaster, highlighting concerns about water scarcity and unprecedented power demands.
The Ministry of Health has directed federal and state institutions to prioritize immediate medical attention for patients, while hospitals have been instructed to augment their bed capacity.
According to weather department data, Delhi experienced its hottest night in over 50 years on Wednesday, with a minimum temperature of 35.2 degrees Celsius. The weather forecast indicates above-normal temperatures for the remainder of the month.
According to information from the weather department, temperatures in New Delhi dropped by approximately 6 degrees Celsius to 37 degrees Celsius on Thursday following rainfall, bringing relief from the oppressive heat.
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