Jambiflash.com – The heatwave hitting Northern India has claimed the lives of hundreds of homeless people in New Delhi over the past week. This was revealed by a group concerned with homelessness in the country on Thursday (June 20, 2024).
According to the Times of India, 52 bodies have been taken to hospitals in the last two days. Most of them were poor people living and working outdoors.
According to government figures shared by the nonprofit organization Center for Holistic Development (CHD), 192 homeless people died in New Delhi between June 11 and June 19. This number is higher compared to previous years.
“The poorest communities bear the brunt of climate change. Most of them live under flyovers and in open spaces without protection from the heat. Most of these deaths are due to the heatwave,” said CHD manager, Sunil Kumar Aledia, to Reuters today.
India has recorded over 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases this summer. At least 110 confirmed deaths from heatstroke occurred between March 1 and June 18.
“The prolonged summer should be classified as a natural disaster,” The Hindu newspaper stated in its editorial on Thursday. The media referred to the water shortages and high electricity demand experienced by the people of Northern India recently.
The Indian Ministry of Health has ordered federal and state agencies to ensure immediate attention to heatstroke patients. Meanwhile, all hospitals have been directed to provide more beds.
The Indian weather office also predicts above-normal temperatures for this month. On Wednesday, Delhi experienced its hottest night in over 50 years, with a minimum temperature of 35.2 degrees Celsius.
However, temperatures in the Indian capital dropped by almost 6 degrees to 37 degrees Celsius today, following rains that eased the heat. (nas)
Source: iNews.id
