A severe heatwave held a grip on northern India and Pakistan on Thursday, with temperatures soaring above 45°C (113F) in major cities across both countries and prompting alerts from weather agencies on both sides of the border.
Heatwave warnings in northern Indian states
In Delhi, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) website showed an average temperature of 34°C at 8.30 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) on Thursday. However, the heat index, a measure combining temperature and humidity, calculated the "feels like" temperature to be 45.3°C.
The National Disaster Management Authority issued a red alert for Delhi on Thursday, saying "watch for heat related symptoms like dizziness, nausea, cramps or confusion."
The Hindustan Times newspaper reported Wednesday's temperatures between 40.9°C and 45°C across New Delhi, with the heat index peaking at 51.9°C.
"The severe heat is expected to persist till Thursday. A western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from the night of June 13, which may bring light rain and thunderstorms in Delhi," a senior IMD scientist Naresh Kumar told the Press Trust of India news agency, according to Hindustan Times.
The IMD has issued heatwave warnings across Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.
Power outages have been reported since Tuesday.
In contrast, many parts of southern India are bracing for heavy rainfall.
Pakistan expects hot and dry weather
Across the border, in Pakistan, temperatures soared to 49°C in Bhakkar in Pakistan's Punjab province and Jacobabad in Sindh, the Dawn newspaper reported.
The newspaper reported that the Pakistan Meteorological Department warned of continued extreme heat on Thursday saying "hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very hot in plain areas."
In Punjab province hospitals were overwhelmed with heatstroke patients.
Many Pakistani cities also faced power shortages, leaving many without any relief, even as the heatwave is expected to continue for several more days.
Possible health crisis in the making
Health officials in both countries reported a spike in heatstroke cases, especially among outdoor workers, the elderly, and children, media reports said.
Without immediate relief, officials in both countries warn the situation is escalating into a public health crisis.
Last year, a prolonged heatwave across parts of India claimed over 100 lives and resulted in more than 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases, according to health ministry data cited by AFP.
Source: DW
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
