India faces dual crisis: heatwaves and flooding

NEW DELHI: The recent heat wave in India has resulted in the loss of over 100 lives, while the extreme weather conditions have severely affected thousands of people. According to Reuters, there have been more than 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke this summer. 

The extreme weather is part of a broader pattern impacting billions of people in Asia. Scientists largely attribute these conditions to human-induced climate change. In one of the lengthiest heatwaves on record, the country’s northern region has experienced temperatures reaching nearly 50 degrees Celsius.

The state most impacted is Uttar Pradesh, with 37 reported deaths. Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha also reported significant deaths, according to the National Centre for Disease Control (NDC) data under the National Heat-Related Illness and Death Surveillance.

J P Nadda, Health Minister, Government of India, has instructed officials to conduct regular visits to government hospitals to ensure that specific arrangements are in place for patients affected by heat waves. In line with Minister Nadda’s directives, the health ministry has issued an advisory to the state health department regarding the ‘Heat Wave Season 2024’.

On the other hand, the North Eastern part of the country is currently grappling with intense floods due to heavy rainfall. In Assam, floods and landslides brought on by continuous rain, have led to further loss of life. More than 1,60,000 people have been affected by the floods with water levels in the River Kopili surpassing the danger mark. Since the end of May, over 30 people have died in the state due to floods and landslides.