Thousands of Indians have sought relief through umbrellas, fruits, and swimming pools as a severe heatwave grips the country. Average maximum temperatures in March and April in northern and central India were the highest since records began 122 years ago, according to the India Meteorological Department.
The heatwave has led to a surge in electricity demand, causing power outages in many states and raising concerns about coal shortages. Experts attribute the increasing intensity, frequency, and duration of heatwaves to global warming. Climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll described it as the 'root cause'.
Dr Chandni Singh, senior researcher at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements and a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, highlighted the disproportionate impact on the poor. 'Poor people have fewer resources to cool down as well as fewer options to stay inside, away from the heat,' she said.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast some respite from the heatwave in north-western and central India later this week.
