As a record heatwave grips northwest and central India, with Delhi reaching a scorching 52.9 degrees Celsius, the demand for cooling has skyrocketed. This unprecedented demand has led to record-breaking power consumption, with Delhi alone reaching a peak demand of 8,302 MW. Despite this, Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju claims that such extreme temperatures are unlikely to occur.
Background:
North India has been experiencing an intense heatwave since late April, with temperatures soaring to record highs. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several states, including Rajasthan, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
Current Situation:
The national capital, Delhi, recorded a scorching 52.9 degrees Celsius (127.2 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday, May 28, breaking the previous record of 49.2 degrees Celsius set in 2014. The neighboring state of Rajasthan has also been witnessing extreme heat, with Churu district recording a temperature of 50.3 degrees Celsius.
Causes:
The heatwave is primarily attributed to a combination of factors, including:
Impacts:
The heatwave has severe consequences for the population, including:
Government Response:
The government has issued several advisories to the public, including:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Is the current heatwave unprecedented? Yes, the current heatwave is one of the most intense on record, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in several locations.
2. What is causing the heatwave? A combination of factors, including lack of rainfall, hot westerly winds, and climate change.
3. What are the risks of extreme heat? Heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke, dehydration, and cramps.
4. What should people do to stay safe during the heatwave? Stay indoors during peak hours, drink plenty of fluids, and wear loose, light-colored clothing.
5. What is the government doing to address the situation? The government has issued advisories, increased power generation, and provided water supply relief.
Conclusion:
The intense heatwave in Rajasthan and Delhi is a stark reminder of the growing threat of climate change. The government and the public must take urgent measures to adapt and mitigate the impacts of future extreme weather events.
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Satish is mourning the loss of his wife Lavanya, who tragically died in a stampede at the revered Tirumala temple during the annual pilgrimage. Lavanya had excitedly shared a selfie with her family and friends from the queue for tokens, moments before the stampede occurred. Reports reveal that the incident was triggered by an elderly woman who required medical attention, causing chaos and a surge of devotees towards the gates. The tragedy has shaken the thousands who had gathered for the auspicious occasion.
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At least six people were killed and dozens were injured in a stampede at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred as devotees gathered in large numbers to receive tokens for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival. The Chief Minister has ordered an inquiry into the incident and will visit the temple on Thursday to announce ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.
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