Nearly 100 die as India struggles with a sweltering heat wave
NBCJun 06, 2023
The Facts
Around 170 people have died from the extreme heat of India's latest heatwave. The heat-related illnesses overwhelmed the hospitals in India's most populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Ahead of the extreme heat, the Indian Meteorological Department warned residents with a red alert signifying the arrival of extreme and deadly heat conditions. Temperatures in the northern region rose to 45°C (113°F), as the Ballia District was crippled by an electricity crisis.
The Spin
Narrative A
As the climate continues to change and the globe warms, India has found itself unprepared, with millions of lives at stake. The deadly combination of heat and humidity has overtaken the South Asian country and the central government holds little more than a plan to provide residents with a warning. India simply lacks the technical solutions and the administrative abilities to adequately prepare for such dangerous conditions.
Narrative B
When faced with the challenges of extreme heat, India's central and local governments have stepped up to protect its residents. Short-term measures such as cooling centers have begun and longer-term actionable plans are in place to include the planting of trees, shelters for public workers, and misting areas. India is developing robust strategies to be resilient to heat episodes.
