Millions of people are affected by dangerous extreme heatwaves around the world India and Pakistan. On Thursday (28/4), a garbage dump in New Delhi caught fire when temperatures hit 45 degrees Celsius.
Forecasters even warned the situation would get worse this weekend. Not only that, the heat wave has the potential to make residents lack electricity and water.
Heat waves have killed more than 6,500 people in India since 2010, and scientists say climate change is making it hotter and more common in South Asia.
“This is the first time I have seen such bad weather in April. Usually, we are ready for this in May and beyond,” said Somya Mehra (30), a housewife in Delhi, quoted from GuardianFriday (29/4).
He said he only left the house to celebrate his wedding anniversary, if not, he admitted that he was reluctant to leave the house.
The extreme heat has forced the Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh to impose power cuts at factories. The policy was taken because the consumption of air conditioners and fans skyrocketed.
Power plants are also facing a shortage of coal, the main source of electricity in the country of 1.4 billion people.
Many regions also reported the risk of a decline in water supplies that worsened until the annual rainy season in June and July.
The water shortage will hit farmers, including those growing wheat, as India aims to increase exports to help reduce global shortages caused by the war in Ukraine.
India’s Meteorological Department expects a heatwave to hit the northern plains as well as the central part of the country this week. Meanwhile, severe heatwave conditions are expected in western Rajasthan from 1 May-2 May.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Agency warned that temperatures could rise by 8C in parts of Pakistan, with a peak of 48C in parts of rural Sindh in 2020.
Farmers must use water sparingly, even though around 40 percent of the workforce works in the agricultural sector.
“Public health and agriculture in this country will face serious threats due to extreme temperatures this year,” said Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman.
Last month was the warmest March on record since 1961. Along with Ramadan, the heat made fasting in India and Pakistan even more difficult for Muslims.
“The temperature is rising rapidly in the country, and rising much earlier than usual,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
(wel/chri)
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