Delhi, the capital of India, is currently in the grip of a severe heatwave that has pushed power demand to record levels. With temperatures soaring to 44-45C for weeks, the use of cooling appliances like air conditioners has skyrocketed, leading to frequent power outages in the city.
The situation reached a critical point this week when Delhi’s power demand hit a record high of 8,647 megawatts, causing disruptions in various parts of the city. The capital’s airport also experienced a power outage, affecting terminal services and leaving passengers stranded in long queues.
In addition to the power crisis, Delhi is also facing a severe water shortage, with crowds seen thronging water trucks to fill their buckets. The weather department has warned that the heatwave is likely to persist for the next few days, with dozens of people already succumbing to heat-related illnesses since the onset of summer in March.
The situation is not limited to Delhi alone, as other parts of northern India are also reeling under the impact of the intense heat. In the first week of June, more than 50 people died due to the heat in states like Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
This year’s summer in India has been particularly harsh, with longer, more intense, and frequent heatwaves. The weather department has also predicted below-normal rainfall in June, adding to the challenges faced by the country.
As the heatwave continues to grip the nation, it is essential for authorities to take proactive measures to ensure the well-being of the people and mitigate the impact of the extreme weather conditions.
