Heatwave across northern India claims up to 34 lives

India, May 08, 2006The death toll in a heatwave that has affected much of northern India in recent days has now reached 34 lives today (Monday, May 8). Temperatures across most of northern India have reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 C), about four or five degrees above normal, for the past few days. In northwestern Rajasthan state, temperatures reached 48 degrees Celsius (118 F), while western Maharashtra state recorded 47 degrees Celsius (117 F). At least 24 have people reportedly died in northern Uttar Pradesh state, which has also been hit by frequent power shortages that have set off protests. At least 21 people were arrested in Uttar Pradesh last Friday (May 5) after angry residents clashed with power utility workers. In the eastern state of Orissa, at least 10 other people were reportedly killed. All of the casualties were homeless. Schools in Uttar Pradesh have been ordered to close a week early for the summer, while authorities in New Delhi have ordered people to shut down air conditioners in the evening and at night. Parts of the city have been without power for as much as five or six hours a day for the past two weeks, causing frustration among residents. The power shortage has also resulted in a water supply shortage as power is used to pump water in some areas. Officials say that about 35% of total power generated in New Delhi is stolen, mostly by private individuals that illegally connect to transmission lines. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said yesterday (Sunday, May 7) that although temperatures were not expected to rise further, they were not likely to decrease in the next two days. Heatwaves are an annual occurrence in India and often take place before the arrival of the monsoon season in June. Last year, more than 320 people were killed in India’s pre-monsoon heatwave. Most of the casualties typically are homeless people who cannot afford power for air conditioning or electric fans to cool down.

Source:http://pdmin.coe-dmha.org/apdr/index.cfmaction=process3&Sub_ID=99&news=19705