When a Nigerian student went out to repair his phone in New Delhi, he ended up in a hospital as a victim of a brutal heatwave impacting India. The student collapsed on the street due to heatstroke, but luckily was taken to a hospital equipped with a specialist heatstroke unit.
More than 30 patients have been treated in the unit since May, with some unfortunately not surviving. The hospital’s proactive approach to open the unit in anticipation of a hot summer was commendable and other hospitals followed suit.
The heatwave has resulted in numerous deaths across India, with the poorest workers being the most affected. Lack of access to shelter, water, and healthcare exacerbates the situation for this vulnerable population.
Scientists attribute the severity of these heatwaves to climate change, with authorities describing cities as “heat traps”. The need for immediate government action to mitigate the effects of future heatwaves is crucial.
As the climate emergency continues to impact human lives, awareness, preparation, and effective response are key in dealing with the challenges posed by extreme temperatures.