India has witnessed a severe heat wave, resulting in at least 56 deaths and nearly 25,000 suspected cases of heat stroke across the country from March to May, according to government data and local media reports.
May Sees Record Temperatures
Kabul 24: May has been particularly brutal, with temperatures in the capital Delhi and the nearby state of Rajasthan reaching as high as 50 degrees Celsius, as reported by Reuters. This extreme heat has led to a significant number of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
Cyclone Remal Brings Rain to Eastern India
In contrast, parts of eastern India have been affected by Cyclone Remal, which has brought heavy rain to the north eastern state of Assam. The cyclone has resulted in the deaths of 14 people since Tuesday.
Sri Lanka Hit by Flooding and Landslides
In the island nation of Sri Lanka, at least 15 people have died due to flooding and landslides caused by heavy monsoon rain, according to the country’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Climate Change Contributes to Unusually Hot Summer
Scientists attribute the severe heat wave in South Asia to a combination of factors, including human-driven climate change. This trend is expected to continue unless measures are taken to mitigate its effects.
Election Officials Among the Victims
At least 33 people, including election officials on duty during India’s recently concluded general election, died of suspected heatstroke in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha on Friday.
Data Reveals Widespread Impact
Data from the National Centre of Disease Control (NCDC) shows that May was the worst month, with 46 heat-related deaths and 19,189 suspected heat stroke cases. The total number of deaths in India could be much higher, at around 80, according to newspaper The Hindu.
Madhya Pradesh Hit Hard
Over 5,000 cases of heatstroke were detected in the central state of Madhya Pradesh alone, highlighting the widespread impact of the heat wave.
Relief Expected with Monsoon Arrival
The weather office has predicted that heat wave conditions will be less severe till Wednesday, and the early arrival of monsoon in the southern state of Kerala last week is expected to bring more relief to the region
