Severe Heatwave Hits India and Pakistan: Lives Disrupted as Temperatures Soar

May 2025 – A brutal and prolonged heatwave is sweeping across large parts of India and Pakistan, pushing temperatures beyond 48°C (118°F) in several cities, straining power and water supplies, impacting health systems, and raising fresh alarms over the region’s vulnerability to climate change.

Record-Breaking Temperatures

The current heatwave, among the worst in recent memory, has affected millions across both countries. Key highlights:

• Delhi recorded 47.6°C, its hottest May day in over a decade.

• Jacobabad, in southern Pakistan, touched a searing 49°C, one of the highest temperatures on Earth.

• Major cities like Lahore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow are also experiencing sustained temperatures above 45°C for consecutive days.

Meteorologists blame a stationary high-pressure system and reduced pre-monsoon rainfall for the extreme conditions. Urban areas are particularly affected due to the urban heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt trap more heat.

Health and Humanitarian Crisis

The heatwave is having serious public health implications:

• Hospitals are reporting a sharp rise in heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory issues, especially among children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.

• At least hundreds of heat-related deaths have been reported across both countries, with the real toll likely higher in rural and remote areas.

• Many states have suspended school classes, shifted work hours, or issued emergency health advisories.

Authorities have set up cooling centers and water distribution points, but access remains uneven, particularly in low-income neighborhoods and rural regions.

Impact on Daily Life and Economy

The heatwave is disrupting daily life and economic activity:

• Agriculture: Crops like wheat, rice, and vegetables are under severe stress, risking food supply and farmer incomes.

• Power Grids: Demand for electricity has surged due to widespread air conditioner and fan usage, leading to frequent blackouts in several regions.

• Water Shortages: Groundwater levels are plummeting in parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Sindh. Tanker dependency has surged.

• Labor Productivity: Outdoor laborers and construction workers face unsafe working conditions, slowing down industrial activity.

Small businesses, especially in informal sectors, are bearing the brunt, with reduced foot traffic and rising operational costs.

Climate Change Connection

Scientists and environmental experts have long warned that South Asia is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions globally, and this heatwave provides further evidence:

• According to recent climate models, heatwaves are becoming more intense, frequent, and longer due to global warming.

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has noted that India and Pakistan may face deadly wet-bulb temperatures in coming decades—where heat and humidity combined become unbearable for human survival.

This event underscores the urgent need for adaptation strategies, including early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and reforestation in urban areas.

Government Response

Governments on both sides have mobilized emergency responses:

In India:

• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued heatwave guidelines and is coordinating with state authorities.

• Cities like Ahmedabad and Nagpur, which have Heat Action Plans (HAPs), are activating their response frameworks, including public alerts and healthcare preparedness.

In Pakistan:

• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has deployed mobile medical units in Sindh and Balochistan.

• Cooling shelters are being set up in high-risk zones with support from NGOs and international aid groups.

However, critics argue that preparedness remains uneven, and long-term planning is still inadequate.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing heatwaves requires both immediate relief measures and long-term climate adaptation:

• Public Awareness: Widespread campaigns about hydration, clothing, and safe working hours.

• Urban Planning: Promote green roofs, shaded streets, and water conservation.

• Policy Action: Accelerate investment in renewable energy, better forecasting tools, and sustainable agriculture.

• Regional Cooperation: India and Pakistan, despite political tensions, could benefit from joint climate risk assessments and early-warning systems.

Conclusion

The severe heatwave ravaging India and Pakistan is not just a seasonal anomaly—it is a stark reminder of a warming planet’s harsh consequences. As millions sweat through power cuts, dry taps, and blistering sun, climate resilience is no longer optional—it is urgent. Governments, civil society, and citizens must now work together to build a future that is not only cooler but more equitable and prepared.