As temperatures soar across South Asia, India and Pakistan are grappling with an intense heatwave that has already claimed several lives. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and parts of eastern India are bracing for Cyclone Remal, expected to make landfall this weekend.
In India’s western Rajasthan state, local media reported that nine people have died from suspected heat-related causes. The desert town of Phalodi recorded a staggering 49 degrees Celsius on Friday—the highest temperature in the country this year. Disaster management officials are investigating the causes of these deaths as medical examinations are pending.
Weather authorities have issued severe heatwave warnings across Rajasthan, as well as in the northern states of Punjab and Haryana. In Ahmedabad, a city in the western state of Gujarat, at least two people have succumbed to heatstroke, according to medical officials. Hospitals have seen a surge in patients suffering from heat-related illnesses over the past three days.
India declares a heatwave when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius in the plains and are at least 4.5 degrees Celsius above the normal maximum. Scientists have predicted more heatwave days than usual this year, attributed to fewer non-monsoon thunderstorms and the effects of the weakening El Niño phenomenon.
Across the border in Pakistan, the climate change ministry reported that 26 districts are experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with the current hot spell expected to persist until May 30. Temperatures were forecasted to hit 50 degrees Celsius on Friday in parts of Sindh province, prompting authorities to delay school examinations.
Amidst the scorching heat, Bangladesh and the neighboring states of West Bengal in India are preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Remal. Classified as a “severe cyclonic storm,” Remal is expected to make landfall on Sunday with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department.
In the southern Indian state of Kerala, heavy pre-monsoon rains have led to floods, resulting in at least seven deaths this week. The rainfall has been about 18 percent heavier than normal, disrupting flights and causing widespread damage. Kerala is expected to face extremely heavy rainfall on Friday as well.
Extreme temperatures throughout Asia last month were exacerbated by human-driven climate change, according to a team of international scientists. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves and extreme weather events pose significant challenges for the region’s populations and economies.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
