India Braces for Heatwaves as Nearly 1 Billion People Vote in Summer Elections

India is preparing for heatwaves as the country holds lengthy summer elections involving nearly 1 billion people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that various parts of the country could experience 10 to 20 heatwave days during the April-June summer season, with temperatures hitting or crossing 40°C (104°F).

The Election Commission of India has instructed electoral officers to take measures to help voters cope with the scorching heat, including providing drinking water, setting up canopies for shade, and having medical kits and ambulances on hand. In Gurugram, Haryana, the administration has issued advisories for voters on how to avoid the effects of heatwaves, such as drinking plenty of water, carrying water bottles, and avoiding carbonated beverages. The administration has also guaranteed amenities to lessen the effects of heatwaves, including benches, sheds, drinking water, and medical staff.

However, there are concerns that specific guidelines are needed for campaign rallies, which can put large crowds at risk of heat-related illnesses. In April 2023, a political gathering in Maharashtra under the afternoon sun claimed the lives of 11 people and sent several more to the hospital with heatstroke. Experts have called for rallies to be suspended or moved indoors during heatwaves, and for authorities to increase public awareness about the health risks of extreme heat.

Why this matters: India is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change, which makes outdoor activities like voting and campaigning riskier. The country's lengthy election process, involving nearly 1 billion people over a six-week period, poses significant challenges in ensuring the safety and well-being of voters and candidates during the scorching summer months.

The first phase of India's general elections took place on Friday, with about 62.4% voter turnout reported across 102 Lok Sabha seats in 21 states and union territories. The Election Commission of India said the polling was largely peaceful, despite some incidents of violence reported from West Bengal and Manipur. The election process will continue until June 1, with results expected on June 4.

Meanwhile, the IMD has issued heatwave warnings for several states, including Odisha, Telangana, Gangetic West Bengal, Konkan, Kutch, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam. Delhi has already recorded its highest maximum temperature of the summer so far at 39.4 degrees Celsius. The weather department has also predicted hot and humid conditions in other regions, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Rayalaseema, coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Key Takeaways

• India braces for heatwaves during lengthy 2024 elections involving 1 billion voters.
• Election Commission instructs measures to help voters cope with scorching heat.
• Concerns over guidelines for campaign rallies that can put crowds at risk.
• India experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change.
• IMD issues heatwave warnings for several states during the election period.