India is in the grip of the highest temperatures ever, with at least 77 people dying in the last 10 days due to the effects of climate change
An extreme heat wave is affecting India and has caused the death of at least 77 people over the past ten days, including numerous polling station workers, just as the world’s largest general election concluded.
Temperatures reached record levels, with parts of the capital Delhi freezing it reached 49.9 degrees Celsius, the highest ever recorded in India. This scorching heat coincided with the six-week elections which saw massive voter participation, despite adverse weather conditions.
In Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, 33 polling workers died in a single day. Their families will receive compensation of $18,000 each, state election chief Navdeep Rinwa said. Despite safety measures, such as water dispensers and sprinklers, turnout was low in some areas due to the unbearable heat.
India is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change
As mentioned, despite the difficulties, approximately 642 million people participated in the elections highest number ever. Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks set to win a third consecutive term. However, the election event was marked by tragic human losses, highlighting the urgency of addressing the climate crisis that has made these heat waves more frequent and intense.
Experts warn that these extreme conditions will become increasingly common, testing India’s ability to adapt. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), India is among the countries more vulnerable to climate changewith serious implications for its economic and social development.
India must therefore better prepare itself to manage future heat waves and improve infrastructure to protect its citizens. While rain could temporarily relieve the heat, long-term solutions are essential to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of the population.
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