How Pakistan & India Can Prevent Heat Wave Fatalities

The 1.4 billion people of India and Pakistan are no strangers to long periods of sizzlingly hot and humid weather at this time of year. The average daily high temperature in Delhi in the month of May is 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
But with nearly 3,000 people killed between the two countries in two distinct heat wave events during May and June, it has become clear to local populations that their governments failed to prepare for and respond to the heat waves. It has also become clear that something must be done, as climate change is increasing the likelihood of severe heat waves around the world. One local government in India has already taken steps to be prepared for extended heat waves. Two years ago leaders in Ahmedabad began working to develop and implement a heat action plan following a 2010 heat wave that led to 1,344 excess deaths in the city alone.
The plan consists of four pillars: educating the public about heat-related illnesses and preventative measures, initiating an early-warning system for the public, local governments and local medical officers.