Extreme Heat Claims Lives of 33 Poll Workers During India's Election Closure in Sweltering Conditions
As India completed its largest general election, the scorching heat wave took the lives of 33 poll workers, highlighting the devastating consequences of the relentless high temperatures in the region during recent days.
India's extreme heat wave resulted in the tragic death of 33 poll workers on the final day of voting in the country's largest general election. The incident highlights the severe impact of the high temperatures experienced in recent days.
The unfortunate incident took place in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, as confirmed by the state's chief election officer, Navdeep Rinwa, during a press conference. He also announced that the families of the deceased workers will receive $18,000 each as compensation.
Voters and election workers faced extreme heat during India's seven-phase election, which started on April 19 and ended on June 1. Throughout the country's north, temperatures were unusually high during this period.
Since May 24, at least 61 individuals have lost their lives due to heat strokes, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses. Local health and government authorities have confirmed these numbers.
At least 43 of them were election workers, as confirmed by authorities.
In India, public sector employees are required to perform election duty. The election commission assigns them their roles before the polling process starts.
A woman stands beside her family member who is suffering from heatstroke in Varanasi, India, on May 30, 2024.
A woman stands beside her family member who is suffering from heatstroke in Varanasi, India, on May 30, 2024.
With a population of over 1.4 billion people, India had around 969 million eligible voters in the recent elections. This number is higher than the combined populations of North America and the European Union.
Election rules require that voters should live within 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) of a polling station.
To manage a large election like this, India depends on about 15 million polling officials and security personnel. These election workers use various modes of transportation such as road, boat, camel, train, and helicopters to reach voters all over the country.
Northwest and central India are currently facing scorching temperatures, exceeding 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit), with certain areas reaching over 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit), as reported by the Indian Meteorological Department.
A man drinks water at a roadside stall serving free drinking water to commuters as a heatwave continues to grip the Indian capital, New Delhi, India, Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
A man drinks water at a roadside stall serving free drinking water to commuters as a heatwave continues to grip the Indian capital, New Delhi, India, Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Manish Swarup/AP
Related article
India’s scorching heat and lack of water leave Delhi’s poor to suffer worst of climate crisis
Last week, Delhi experienced its highest-ever temperature of 49.9 degrees Celsius (121.8 degrees Fahrenheit), leading to water rationing due to the intense heat wave.
In preparation for the upcoming elections, the Election Commission of India implemented measures to address the high temperatures, including providing water at polling booths and setting up shade tents for voters.
"Heat wave conditions are expected to persist over Northwest, Central, and East India, but with less intensity over the next three days," announced the Indian Meteorological Department on Sunday.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, India is one of the countries that will be severely impacted by the climate crisis. This poses a threat to its development and could potentially reverse the progress made in poverty alleviation, healthcare, and economic growth.
India is no stranger to heat waves during the summer months of May and June. However, in recent years, these heat waves have been arriving earlier and lasting longer. Experts warn that the climate crisis will lead to even more frequent and prolonged heat waves in the future, challenging India's ability to adapt.
All votes will be counted on Tuesday, June 4, with the results anticipated to be announced later on the same day.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic loss of 33 poll workers highlights the devastating impacts of climate change on India, which is already facing extreme heat waves and water shortages. This incident is a wake-up call to address the urgent need for climate action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The government must prioritize the implementation of heat mitigation measures during elections and other large public events. Providing adequate water, cooling stations, and flexible work arrangements for those working outdoors can help prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths. Moreover, investments in infrastructure, such as air-conditioned buses and shaded polling stations, can provide much-needed relief from the oppressive heat.
