Health authorities are warning people to look out for signs of heatstroke. Source: Shutterstock.
Parts of India and Pakistan have seen record breaking temperatures over the past week with large amounts of the population suffering.
Northern and central areas of India have seen temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius with the daily average amounting to 38 degrees. Experts agree the heatwave will continue for some time with Meteorologist Scott Duncan expecting some areas will experience 50+ degree heat.
Over 1 billion people are being affected with many areas of society dealt a bad hand by the weather. Power outages have been happening throughout India and Pakistan with officials saying it’s due to a coal shortage amongst an increase in demand.
The ABC reported that Pakistan has seen no power for up to eight hours a day, while rural areas are often go without for over half a day. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Indian government officials detailing the current situation.
“Temperatures are rising rapidly in the country, and rising much earlier than usual,” he said.
“We are seeing increasing incidents of fires in various places – in jungles, important buildings and in hospitals – in the past few days.”
Wildfires have been ravaging throughout the country, causing damage to crops with the Forest Service of India reporting that 277 fires are currently burning. India usually experiences high temperatures from May to August, but authorities say that it’s unusual to see such extreme heat in April.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan issued a warning last week telling hospitals that they should prepare to treat patients for heat stroke and related illnesses.
“Health facility preparedness must be reviewed for availability of adequate quantities of essential medicines, I.V fluids, ice packs. ORS and all necessary equipment,” he said.
“Availability of sufficient drinking water at all health facilities and continued functioning of cooling appliances in critical areas must be ensure.”
This years heatwave is the hottest recorded in the 122-year history of temperature logging in India.
The Indian Meteorological Department expects this weather to continue for at least another week.
