A devastating heatwave is currently affecting India, leading to the deaths of over 100 people.
Temperatures in some parts of the country have soared above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), sparking concerns that certain areas may soon become uninhabitable for humans.
Some regions in India are experiencing temperatures exceeding 122 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting experts to sound the alarm. With the rising death toll, there are fears that escalating global temperatures will render parts of India unsuitable for human life by the end of the century. A study conducted by researchers at MIT in 2017 revealed that heatwaves could generate such intense heat and humidity that certain areas of India could become unlivable by 2100. The study predicts that by 2100, 70% of India’s population will be exposed to extreme heat and humidity conditions. Temperatures exceeding 47 degrees Celsius (116 degrees Fahrenheit) are classified as extreme by the Indian Meteorological Department. The heat-related challenges are not confined to India alone, as neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh are also expected to face similar crises, impacting the lives of the 1.5 billion people residing in these three nations and posing a threat to global food production.
The capital city of New Delhi, located in the state of Delhi, has witnessed unprecedented temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius. In response to the scorching heat, schools and institutions in various parts of the country have been forced to shut down. Severe heatwaves in India often lead to droughts, exacerbating water scarcity issues. The city of Chennai is on the brink of facing acute water shortages.