Severe weather in India, including extreme heatwaves, landslides, and floods, has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people this week. In one northeastern region, four individuals, including a woman and her three daughters, were buried alive in a landslide.
In New Delhi, with a population of 20 million, temperatures hit a six-year high for nighttime heat on Tuesday. Hospitals have reported at least 5 deaths due to heatstroke this week. Heavy rainfall has also led to floods and landslides, killing at least 6 people.
“A landslide buried a woman and her three daughters alive,” said Siju Das, a state disaster management official. “Their house was on a slope, and they died on the spot around midnight.” Rescuers recovered their bodies after a three-hour search. A three-year-old was also killed.
Across Asia, temperatures have dramatically increased since March.
In Delhi and Rajasthan, temperatures have reached 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Northwest and Eastern regions of India have experienced over twice the usual number of heatwave days this season.
These conditions have been worsened by fewer thunderstorms and warm winds from nearby arid areas.
In Assam, more than 160,000 people have been affected, with rivers like the Kopili and Brahmaputra exceeding danger levels.
Since late May 2024, over 30 people in Assam have died due to floods and landslides caused by heavy rains.
