India is currently facing one of its most severe heat waves in Delhi's history, alongside devastating flash floods and heavy rainfall, with temperatures soaring above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The death toll is escalating, and Delhi has now earned a reputation for extreme weather year-round, according to meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya.
A critical issue in Delhi is the torrential rain, which recently caused a section of New Delhi's airport to collapse, resulting in injuries to eight individuals and the tragic death of one man. A large section of the roof's canopy crashed to the ground, damaging several cars, one of which had a person trapped inside amidst twisted metal. Moreover, these intense rains have led to widespread flooding of roads, submerging cars and disrupting subway services, while also causing power outages across the city. At least 11 fatalities have been reported due to the rain and flooding, including four individuals who drowned in submerged underpasses. Within a span of 24 hours, nearly 9 inches of rainfall was recorded, marking the highest in a single day in 88 years. In Uttar Pradesh, bordering Delhi, two women lost their lives after being crushed by a water tank during the heavy rains. Additionally, five Indian army personnel perished when their tank was caught in flash floods during a training exercise. In Nepal, the rain-triggered landslides claimed the lives of at least eight people, including children, adding to the staggering death toll in India.
Furthermore, the blistering heat has exacerbated the plight of Indians. In May, temperatures in parts of Delhi soared to a record-breaking 121.8 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest ever recorded in the capital. These sweltering months of deadly temperatures have left hundreds ill or dead, though the official death toll vastly underestimates the true scale of the tragedy. As water shortages intensify and supplies dwindle, Delhi has begun imposing fines on those wasting water. Water Minister Atishi recently announced the deployment of 200 teams to crack down on overflowing tanks and unauthorized car washing.
Several cities are experiencing record-breaking temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, pushing millions to their limits. The extreme weather has led to students fainting in schools and water fountains running dry. In Mungeshpur, streets emptied and shops closed as residents sought refuge from the scorching heat. In response to temperatures reaching 49.9 degrees Celsius and rising, free cold drinks were distributed in Narela. Nearby states like Haryana and Punjab are also grappling with severe heatwaves and their devastating consequences.
The Indian Meteorological Department issued a "red alert," urging Delhi's 33 million residents to stay hydrated and indoors. Instances of heat-related illnesses and heatstroke have surged, prompting heightened care for vulnerable populations. Unfortunately, India remains deeply affected by these climate change impacts, leaving civilians vulnerable. All we can do is hope for the best and pray for a positive turn of events and push for regulatory changes to increase emergency water supply in India.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse