The scorching heat wave in northern India has left residents struggling to cope with temperatures soaring above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in some parts of Rajasthan. The extreme heat has forced schools to close, raised the risk of heatstrokes for outdoor laborers, and put several states on high alert.
India’s weather department has warned that the high temperatures are expected to persist for the next few days, with some areas in Punjab, Haryana, and New Delhi recording temperatures above 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit). The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing general election, with voters facing long lines and increased health risks due to the heat.
The heat wave is not only affecting humans but also taking a toll on animals, particularly endangered species like the chinkaras, also known as Indian gazelles. Sitaram, an animal conservationist in Bikaner, Rajasthan, has been providing shelter and water to sick and injured chinkaras to help them beat the heat.
The extreme heat in India is becoming a public health crisis, with the warm weather getting more intense in recent years and often accompanied by severe water shortages. Tens of millions of people in India lack access to running water, further exacerbating the situation.
As the country braces for the upcoming monsoon season, authorities are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe and hydrated during this unprecedented heat wave.