From 2017 to 2021, 55 per cent more people died from heatwaves, compared to the period from 2000 to 2004, according to the medical journal Lancet.
Official data has also shown that India’s heatwaves are lasting longer.
Last year, India reported over six times more heatwave days than the year before.
The country also experienced its warmest February this year, since records began in 1901.
India’s weather office predicted that many parts of the country will see higher-than-normal temperatures, heading into the hot season lasting until June.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The heatwave is “very serious” as it is “literally taking lives of people”, said Mr Avinash Chanchal, campaign manager for climate and energy at Greenpeace India.
“The government needs to ensure a plan to tackle this whole thing. And also, it’s impacting the Indian economy,” he said.
According to economists, the heat has a devastating impact on agriculture, causes a loss in labour hours, and drives up energy and healthcare costs.