Indian voters face challenges amid scorching temperatures during election season

Indian voters are facing hot weather as they participate in the world's largest election. A severe heat wave is hitting some parts of the country, and officials predict a hotter-than-usual summer for India.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a heat wave will impact southern and eastern India until the end of the week. This includes four states that are scheduled to vote on Friday.

Parts of West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka are among the 13 states and union territories participating in the second phase of India's massive elections. In some areas, temperatures are expected to rise above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

According to the IMD, Baripada in Odisha recorded a temperature of 43.6 C (110.4 F) on Thursday, while Khammam in Telangana reached 43.4 C (110.1 F). The IMD had previously warned that India could experience more intense and prolonged heat waves this year due to higher than usual temperatures.

Gandhi Ray, a farmer in his 60s from eastern Bihar state, mentioned that he resides in a small hut in the forest and plans to walk to a nearby village to cast his vote.

According to the IMD, temperatures exceeding 41 C (105 F) are expected daily until May 1 in his hometown of Banka district.

"It's crucial for me to vote, but the heat just keeps getting more unbearable every day," he shared with CNN. "I mainly work outside, so I'm accustomed to it, but as I age, it's becoming more challenging to deal with. Nowadays, my kids are handling most of the work."

A man wipes his face during a hot day in New Delhi on April 21, 2024.

A man wipes his face during a hot day in New Delhi on April 21, 2024.

Noemi Cassanelli/CNN

Concerns have been raised during this election season due to high temperatures, especially as outdoor political rallies are attracting large crowds under the scorching sun. A recent incident highlighted the seriousness of the issue when a lawmaker collapsed from the heat while speaking to supporters in western Maharashtra state.

In response to these concerns, the Election Commission, National Disaster Management Authority, and IMD have come together to form a task force aimed at minimizing the impact of heat waves on polling days. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently led a meeting to assess the country's readiness for the hot weather ahead.

The Election Commission has issued guidelines to help you stay comfortable while at the polling stations. This includes staying hydrated by drinking water and bringing an umbrella for shade. They have also cautioned against leaving children or pets unattended in parked cars.

Furthermore, in Bihar, election officials have decided to extend the voting hours at certain polling stations due to the ongoing heat wave.

Ray mentioned that the heat wouldn't prevent him from voting on Friday. He emphasized the importance of exercising our right to vote, stating that everyone should vote for the candidate they believe will best represent them.

It would be nice if the election wasn't during a hot time, but even if it is, I'll still go out to vote. The heat won't stop me from exercising my right.

The Election Commission reassured that there are no significant worries about heat waves on Election Day. Weather forecasts predict normal conditions for the areas holding the polls on Friday.

India, with a population of 1.4 billion people, faces heat waves in May and June. Recently, these heat waves have become earlier and longer, with scientists connecting some of them to the climate crisis.

In 2022, the World Weather Attribution initiative discovered that a heat wave in India and Pakistan, which resulted in the deaths of 90 people, was made 30 times more likely due to climate change.

Last year, India experienced multiple heat waves that caused the closure of schools, crop damage, and strain on energy resources. In June, temperatures in certain areas reached as high as 47 C (116 F), leading to the deaths of at least 44 individuals and causing heat-related illnesses in hundreds of people.

A man carries ice on his bicycle in Mumbai, India on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

A man carries ice on his bicycle in Mumbai, India on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

Climate experts warn that the human-caused climate crisis is posing a threat to India's development goals. Studies have shown that more than 50% of the workforce in India is employed in agriculture, putting millions of people at risk. By 2050, temperatures in India are projected to exceed survivability limits, making it one of the most affected places.

Analysts suggest that climate change has not been a major focus in this election, despite being included in the election manifestos of the two main parties — the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress.

According to Aditya Valiathan Pillai, fellow and coordinator for adaptation and resilience at the New Delhi-based Sustainable Futures Collaborative, climate impacts influence voter demands. However, these concerns often manifest as worries about livelihood and ongoing welfare support, rather than being specifically categorized as 'climate' issues.

Farmers are requesting loan waivers and improved irrigation facilities following years of drought. Urban families are advocating for lower electricity prices to help with cooling expenses. There are also calls for increased social welfare programs.

A man rests on a cycle rickshaw during a heat wave in New Delhi on April 21, 2024.

A man rests on a cycle rickshaw during a heat wave in New Delhi on April 21, 2024.

Noemi Cassanelli/CNN

Regional impact

This year, extreme heat has affected the entire region, leaving hundreds of millions of people living in climate-vulnerable areas with little relief from the relentless heat and humidity.

Tourists are using umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun while visiting Wat Pho Buddhist temple in Bangkok on April 1, 2024.

Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images

Related article

The scorching heat has returned to Southeast Asia, and it looks like it's here to stay for a while.

Over in neighboring Bangladesh, a heat wave is currently sweeping through the country. Temperatures have been soaring above 40°C in several districts, and there seems to be no respite even during the unusually hot nights. Climatologist Maximiliano Herrera has reported on the extreme conditions. In response, the government has issued a "heat alert" across the nation, which will be in effect for the next 72 hours.

Extreme temperatures are causing havoc in Southeast Asia. Local media in Thailand have reported dozens of heatstroke deaths, while in the Philippines, hundreds of schools have been closed. In Vietnam's Mekong Delta region, droughts are causing rice fields and rivers to dry up.

The heat wave in Vietnam has been going on for weeks, leading three provinces to declare a state of emergency. Salt is seeping into fresh water sources, affecting over 70,000 households' access to drinking water, as reported by Save the Children.

Asia was found to be the most disaster-affected region in 2023 according to a report released by the World Meteorological Organization on Tuesday. Additionally, the report highlighted that Asia is experiencing a faster rate of heating up compared to the global average.

Editor's P/S:

The scorching heat wave hitting India during its massive election is a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change. As temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius, voters face the arduous task of casting their ballots under the scorching sun. Heat-related illnesses, fatigue, and dehydration become prevalent, potentially jeopardizing the integrity of the electoral process.

The article highlights the vulnerability of India's population to extreme weather events, particularly during the summer months. Heat waves have become more frequent and intense in recent years, with scientists attributing some of them to the climate crisis. The article underscores the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of climate change, not only for the health and well-being of its citizens but also for the stability and fairness of its electoral system.