The heat wave Crisis: How India Is Coping with Record Temperatures and Health Risks – Dr. Manu Gupta

The article is authored by Dr. Manu Gupta, the Head of the Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS)

India faced an unprecedented surge in extreme heat waves this summer, impacting millions nationwide, which is very likely to cause a humanitarian crisis. The capital city, Delhi, experienced record-breaking temperatures, soaring nearly 50°C on May 29, leading to widespread distress and discomfort. According to India’s Union Ministry of Health, between March and June 2024, 143 people tragically lost their lives due to heatstroke across India, and nearly 42,000 were treated for suspected heat-related illnesses. The poor, especially those living in poorly ventilated homes or working long hours outdoors, have been hit the hardest. The country has experienced heat waves before, but their frequency has been steadily rising.

Significant events in India’s heat wave history include a devastating two-week heat wave in May 1998, the worst in half a century, as well as temperatures reaching 40°C in April 1999. In 2003, over 3,000 heat-related deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh, the southern peninsular state of India. This was followed by approximately 1,300 fatalities in Ahmedabad,  a major city in the western Indian state of Gujarat, in May 2010. Since then, heat waves have become increasingly frequent, occurring repeatedly from 2016 to 2024. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India reports that over 24,443 lives have been lost to sun and heat stroke since 1990. The situation is expected to worsen as climate change continues to push global temperatures higher.

How Delhi’s heat waves Disrupted Lives and Livelihoods

Delhi has been at the center of India’s struggle with heat waves, and this year has been no exception. The city faced its most intense peak summer months of May and June in at least 74 years. Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather station since 1951, recorded its highest maximum temperatures ever for both June and the entire May-June period. Delhi recorded 12 heat wave days—five in May and seven in June—causing widespread disruption and health impacts.

Through the summer of 2024, SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society), an organization with 30 years of experience in disaster recovery and resilience, conducted a heat wave Risk Assessment Survey in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region. The survey revealed critical insights into the impact of extreme heat on different groups. Daily wage laborers reported a significant reduction in job opportunities due to extreme temperatures, as most of their work takes place outdoors. The majority struggled to find work and suffered from illness due to prolonged sun exposure.

A construction contractor in Gurugram, a city in the National Capital Region, expressed his frustration: “The extreme heat and air pollution have drastically cut down the number of working days available to us. My family has also fallen ill due to the harsh conditions. The reduction in productivity has led to mounting economic losses and severe impacts on our well-being.”

Street vendors also encountered significant challenges, with many reporting financial losses from spoiled stock and reduced customer traffic. Some vendors were forced to close their businesses altogether. Salaried employees and factory workers were less affected overall, but a good number of them still reported negative impacts, primarily linked to reduced job performance in extreme heat.

Health impacts were significant, too. South-East Delhi reported the highest number of heat stroke-related deaths (16), followed by North-West (10) and North Delhi (9). South Delhi saw the most heat wave-related illnesses, with 656 cases, followed by South-East Delhi (562) and North Delhi (424). Vulnerable groups, particularly those living in poorly insulated cement-sheet, tarpaulin, and GI-sheet houses, experienced the highest rates of heat-related mortality and illness, underscoring the severe toll that rising temperatures are having on both health and livelihoods in the city.

When Heat Turns Deadly: The Severe Health Risks of heat waves

Heat waves bring more than just discomfort. They pose severe health risks, particularly for the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Heatstroke is one of the most dangerous consequences, characterized by a body temperature rising above 40.5°C, along with symptoms like headaches, nausea, delirium, and seizures. Left untreated, heatstroke can lead to organ failure, affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and other critical systems.

Adding to these risks, many Indians are experiencing wet bulb temperature (WBT) conditions, which hinder the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating. As WBT rises, it becomes increasingly difficult for the body to regulate its temperature, leading to overheating and potentially life-threatening heat stress or heat stroke. Prolonged exposure to high WBT levels can overwhelm the body’s cooling mechanisms, even if a person is resting and hydrated.

Pregnant women and infants are also at higher risk, with dehydration and heat stress potentially leading to complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight. In many parts of India, people make their livelihoods as rickshaw pullers, vegetable and household goods vendors, construction workers, and laborers who work in open sites. These workers are particularly at risk of heat-related illnesses due to prolonged exposure. Even those employed in closed, congested factories are affected, enduring high temperatures with little ventilation or relief from the heat.

Hospitals across northern India have seen a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses this year. One hospital alone reported over 75 heatstroke admissions in June, and tragically, 27 patients did not survive. The escalating health impacts underline the urgent need for effective solutions.

Innovative Strategies: Combating Heat Waves Across India

As mentioned earlier, summer heat in India is not new, but the intensity and duration of heat waves have been increasing. In 2024, from April to June, around 40% of the country experienced double the usual number of heat wave days. India witnessed a total of 536 heat wave days this summer, the highest in 14 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD calculates the total heat wave days in the country by summing up instances of extreme heat across all 36 meteorological subdivisions. For example, if a heat wave day occurs in five subdivisions, it is counted as five heat wave days. During a virtual press conference, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the IMD, highlighted that June saw a record-breaking 181 heat wave days across India, surpassing the previous high of 177 days in 2010.

To address these challenges, we at SEEDS are implementing several innovative solutions across heat-affected states in India. Our initiatives include cool roofing to lower indoor temperatures, restoring water resources, and installing water stations in high-traffic areas. Additionally, community engagement is at the core of our efforts. By educating local communities, especially schoolchildren, about the dangers of heat waves and how to stay safe, we empower people to take preventive actions. Beyond these efforts, SEEDS has launched the Under the Umbrella campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat waves, particularly in North Western India. It emphasizes preventive measures and inclusivity, ensuring all communities, especially the most vulnerable, have access to essential resources and information to stay safe during heat events.

In addition to SEEDS’ initiatives, other key solutions across India include early warning systems that alert communities about upcoming heat waves, allowing them to take necessary precautions. Urban planning adaptations, such as planting trees, creating green roofs, and establishing parks, aim to mitigate the heat island effect in cities. Public cooling centers with air conditioning and cold water provide relief to those lacking cooling facilities at home. Policy interventions, like heat action plans in cities, focus on health advisories and heat-resilient infrastructure. Additionally, workplace adjustments for outdoor laborers, such as rescheduling work and providing shaded rest areas, and upgrading housing conditions with heat-resistant materials for low-income communities, are crucial for reducing heat exposure.

Conclusion

India’s battle with heat waves continues as climate models predict temperatures in the Indian Ocean could rise by 1.4-3°C by century’s end, increasing both the frequency and intensity of heat waves. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that these extreme weather events will likely become longer and more severe. While measures like cool roofing, public cooling centers, and early warning systems are making progress, a multifaceted approach is crucial. Public awareness, infrastructure improvements, and effective policies must work together to address the health risks and economic disruptions of rising temperatures. The steps we take now will determine our ability to adapt and endure future heat challenges. Community-led actions are vital for saving lives, and it is essential for policymakers to involve philanthropists, practitioners, and academics in creating accessible, innovative solutions to adapt to a warmer India.

Brand Name – SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society )
Contact Name – Sushmita Malaviya

Web address – https://www.seedsindia.org/

Mail – [email protected]

Country – India