A severe heatwave in India and Pakistan is testing the limits of human survival, with temperatures expected to rise to dangerous levels in the coming days. The early onset of summer heat has already strained energy supplies, impacted vital crops, and placed millions of livelihoods at risk.
Both nations, which typically experience heatwaves in May and June, are facing extreme temperatures much earlier this year, with the heat expected to last longer than usual.
In Pakistan, temperatures are forecast to soar up to 8 degrees Celsius above normal between April 14-18. Parts of Balochistan, in the southwest, could experience maximum temperatures nearing 49°C (120°F), similar to the sweltering conditions of Death Valley, one of the hottest places in the world.
The heatwave has caught many by surprise, particularly in areas like Balochistan’s Dera Murad Jamali city, where persistent power outages lasting up to 16 hours a day have exacerbated the effects of the extreme heat, making daily life unbearable. "This has intensified the impact of the heat, making it harder for people to cope," said local resident Ayoub Khosa.
In neighboring India, the heat has also arrived earlier than expected. The capital, New Delhi, has already experienced temperatures over 40°C (104°F) several times this month, and the meteorological department has warned of an above-normal number of heatwave days. Other regions, including Rajasthan, are also grappling with scorching temperatures, with maximum temperatures reaching 44°C (111°F).
Farmers in Rajasthan are particularly vulnerable, with many reporting health issues due to the extreme conditions. "We cannot even stand to work in it," said farmer Balu Lal. "When I am out, I feel that people would burn due to the heat outside." The early onset of heat is also disrupting crop cycles, with young plants struggling to survive in the dry heat. The rising temperatures are further complicating food production, as crops that are not yet ready to harvest are failing due to a lack of water and excessive heat.
Experts warn that the rising temperatures are pushing the limits of human survivability. Heatwaves have already claimed tens of thousands of lives in the region in recent decades, and climate experts predict that by 2050, India could be among the first places where temperatures exceed survivability thresholds. Pregnant women, in particular, are at risk, with an increase in preterm births and pregnancy-related complications, according to Neha Mankani, an advisor at the International Confederation of Midwives.
The cascading effects of the heatwave are devastating. Food shortages, drought, and flash floods are expected to become more frequent, as melting ice caps disrupt water availability. Mehrunissa Malik, a climate change expert, highlighted the impact on farmers, explaining that erratic weather patterns are making it increasingly difficult to predict crop yields, which are now being hit by both the heat and pest attacks.
With power shortages already plaguing both countries, demand for electricity is expected to soar, exacerbating the ongoing energy crisis. In some areas, schools have been closed, and transportation systems have been disrupted, further highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the heat.
As heatwaves continue to become more frequent and intense, millions of people in India and Pakistan face a future of increased vulnerability, with food production, health, and livelihoods increasingly at risk.
Police in Pakistan have detained nearly 180 people following a series of incidents involving KFC restaurants in several major cities.
Thousands in Pakistan have taken to the streets to protest against Israel and show support for Palestinians.
Amid ongoing unrest in Balochistan, Pakistan’s army chief has pledged strong security measures to protect foreign and local investors at a major minerals conference aimed at unlocking the country’s estimated $6 trillion in natural reserves.
Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio held a phone conversation on Monday, focusing on bilateral ties, economic cooperation, and regional security, including Afghanistan.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov extended Moscow’s support for the ongoing indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, offering to mediate or assist in any way that would be beneficial to Tehran and acceptable to Washington.
The British steel industry is grappling with its most significant crisis in decades, as the government has been forced to intervene in an emergency bid to save the country's last operational blast furnaces at British Steel.
Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato strongly denied accusations that Japan manipulates its currency to weaken the yen, ahead of a highly anticipated meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent next week. Kato addressed the issue in the Japanese parliament on Friday, reaffirming that Jap
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni met with Donald Trump and JD Vance in Washington, using charm, shared views, and her native Italian to strengthen ties. She later hosted Vance in Rome, praised U.S.-Italy relations, and invited Trump to visit Europe.
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov extended Moscow’s support for the ongoing indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, offering to mediate or assist in any way that would be beneficial to Tehran and acceptable to Washington.
Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato strongly denied accusations that Japan manipulates its currency to weaken the yen, ahead of a highly anticipated meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent next week. Kato addressed the issue in the Japanese parliament on Friday, reaffirming that Jap
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni met with Donald Trump and JD Vance in Washington, using charm, shared views, and her native Italian to strengthen ties. She later hosted Vance in Rome, praised U.S.-Italy relations, and invited Trump to visit Europe.
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hold a May 15th hearing on Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, an executive move blocked by lower courts and now facing constitutional scrutiny under the 14th Amendment.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov extended Moscow’s support for the ongoing indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, offering to mediate or assist in any way that would be beneficial to Tehran and acceptable to Washington.
The British steel industry is grappling with its most significant crisis in decades, as the government has been forced to intervene in an emergency bid to save the country's last operational blast furnaces at British Steel.
Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato strongly denied accusations that Japan manipulates its currency to weaken the yen, ahead of a highly anticipated meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent next week. Kato addressed the issue in the Japanese parliament on Friday, reaffirming that Jap
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni met with Donald Trump and JD Vance in Washington, using charm, shared views, and her native Italian to strengthen ties. She later hosted Vance in Rome, praised U.S.-Italy relations, and invited Trump to visit Europe.
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment