Survival before safety for Delhi's poor as temperatures hit 45C
Summary
Delhi is experiencing extreme heat with temperatures reaching up to 45°C (113°F). Many poor workers who work outside, like rickshaw drivers and street vendors, struggle to stay safe while trying to earn money every day. Cities like Delhi get hotter due to concrete and traffic, making the heat more dangerous.Key Facts
- Temperatures in Delhi have gone above 40°C daily, sometimes hitting 45°C in the afternoon.
- Around 90% of India's workers have informal jobs, often outside and without job security.
- Outdoor workers cannot easily escape the heat because they need to work to earn money for food and rent.
- Heatwaves in India are becoming stronger and lasting longer due to global warming.
- Delhi experiences an "urban heat island effect," where city features like concrete trap more heat.
- The government issues heat warnings and has heat action plans including alerts, water stations, and cooling centers.
- Despite warnings, many outdoor workers find it hard to follow advice like avoiding the sun or staying hydrated all the time.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to stay hydrated and watch for heat exhaustion signs, especially in vulnerable groups.
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