In 2023 and 2024, India experienced record-breaking heat, and its health system felt the strain. Several Indian cities witnessed the early arrival of heat waves, which increased in severity and frequency.
For instance, a record-breaking 39-day heat spell from May 13th to June 20th in Delhi turned the city into a virtual furnace, with temperatures consistently exceeding 40 degrees. These conditions were not just confined to Delhi; several Indian cities faced similar harsh conditions, forcing citizens to confront the dire consequences.
The India Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Earth Sciences report a 62% increase in heatwave-related deaths over the past 20 years, driven by a 138% rise in heat waves. Delhi alone recorded 270 deaths by mid-2024.
Can we actually reverse the devastation of these extreme heatwaves? Do we have adequate adaptive measures and infrastructure in place? Stay with us as we explore these crucial issues and uncover what’s at stake for our future.
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