India is being left to die in the heat
India is facing extreme heat this summer, with temperatures surpassing 45 degrees Celsius in many regions. The government has been criticized for its inadequate response to the crisis, prioritizing branding over effective measures to protect citizens. As the death toll rises, particularly among vulnerable populations, the need for urgent action and recognition of heatwaves as national disasters becomes increasingly apparent.
- ▪Temperatures in India have reached as high as 46.9 degrees Celsius, with many cities recording the highest temperatures globally.
- ▪The extreme heat is causing health issues, including heart attacks and kidney injuries, while also threatening food supply due to crop failures.
- ▪Despite recommendations to classify heatwaves as national disasters, bureaucratic hurdles hinder effective government response and support for affected families.
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OPINIONOPINION, Opinion|EnvironmentIndia is being left to die in the heatModi has denied climate change for years. Now, as the death toll climbs uncounted, his government offers branding instead of protection.By Vidya KrishnanInvestigative journalist.Published On 22 May 202622 May 2026ListenListen (6 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoPeople rest at a cooling zone set up by the Delhi government in New Delhi, India, on May 19, 2026 [Rajat Gupta/EPA]India is experiencing an extraordinary summer.Across the country, temperatures have crossed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), inching towards 46, with Akola in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region recording the country’s highest temperature of 46.9C on…
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