Delhi is facing an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures soaring above 40C, resulting in dozens of deaths due to heat-related illnesses. A physician at a prominent hospital in the capital has signed several death certificates for heat stroke victims, highlighting the severity of the situation. The lack of cooling facilities, coupled with water shortages and power outages, has exacerbated the crisis. To combat heat strokes, a hospital in Delhi has set up a special clinic and employs innovative methods like immersion ice baths to save patients.
The majority of those affected are outdoor workers, with men in small, unregulated factories facing the brunt of the heat. The situation is not limited to Delhi, as other states in India have also reported numerous fatalities. The impact of heatwaves extends beyond health, affecting productivity and livelihoods, especially for vulnerable groups. Urgent action is needed to address the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in India.