Heat wave in Delhi, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Delhi is experiencing a severe heatwave in early June, leading to extreme conditions.
• The intense heat has caused asphalt roads to soften, notably in Chandni Chowk.
• A significant increase in mortality has been reported among infants and children, with some deaths also among adults.
• Traditional cooling methods like khas khaska tatti and electric fans are proving ineffective against the high temperatures.

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Detailed Insights:

• Heatwaves in Delhi are exacerbated by its landlocked geography, proximity to the Thar Desert, and the Urban Heat Island Effect.
• These conditions typically occur from March to June, preceding the monsoon, and are intensified by climate change.
• Extreme heat poses severe health risks, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
• Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable due to their physiological inability to regulate body temperature effectively.
• Heat exposure can lead to adverse outcomes such as preterm births, low birth weight, and increased infant mortality.
• The Delhi government has implemented a Heat Wave Action Plan, including cooling centers, ORS distribution, and cool roof policies.
• Measures also involve installing misting systems at bus stops and establishing bamboo cooling zones in vulnerable areas.
• Advisories are issued for schoolchildren and outdoor workers, with provisions for water, shade, and adjusted work hours.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Heatwave: A period of abnormally high temperatures, significantly above the normal maximum, for a given region.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: A phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure.
• Mortality Rate: The number of deaths in a given population over a specific period, often expressed per 1,000 individuals.
• Khas Khaska Tatti: Traditional cooling screens made from vetiver grass, used to cool air when water is passed over them.