In the scorching summer heat of New Delhi, India, the effects of extreme heatwaves have been devastating, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. Babies, outdoor laborers, and residents in slums have been disproportionately affected by the soaring temperatures, with tragic consequences.

Ansar Khan, a grief-stricken father, firmly believes that the heat claimed the life of his baby daughter, Ina. On a sweltering day in late May, with temperatures reaching a staggering 121 degrees Fahrenheit, Ina did not wake up from her nap. Living in a makeshift home with only a flimsy blue plastic sheet for shelter, she succumbed to the merciless heat. These heartbreaking losses highlight the grave risks faced by infants during extreme heatwaves, as their undeveloped bodies struggle to regulate temperature and dehydration becomes a grave concern.

The impact of the heatwaves extends beyond individual tragedies, encompassing millions of people in India. Aditya Valiathan Pillai, a researcher at the thinktank Sustainable Futures Collaborative, underscores that 75% of India's working population, totaling over 350 million people, are directly exposed to extreme heat due to their jobs. Whether they are outdoor laborers or inhabitants of hot and poorly ventilated slums, the consequences of such conditions are immense.

The scarcity of essential resources exacerbates the situation. In slums like the Sanjay Camp, where shade-giving trees are scarce and homes are constructed with materials that promote heat retention, residents struggle to access clean water for drinking and cooling. Government water tankers are chased by desperate individuals attempting to secure their share. The disparity in access to water is further highlighted by homeless shelters, where reliable water sources remain a distant dream.

The lack of adequate infrastructure and data collection further complicates the response to these heatwaves. Harleen Marwah, a pediatric resident physician, emphasizes the need to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat, particularly for children. However, the current inability to gather robust data on heat-related deaths hampers any comprehensive action. As climate change intensifies, heatwaves are projected to become more frequent and severe, making it imperative to develop effective mitigation strategies and infrastructure to protect vulnerable populations.

India's readiness to confront the escalating problem remains a concern. According to a study by McKinsey, certain regions of the country may become the first places on Earth to experience heatwaves so extreme that air conditioning or alternative cooling methods become a necessity for survival. With climate change-induced heatwaves looming even more ominously, urgent action is required to prevent further loss of life.

While media reports have documented dozens of deaths caused by the recent heatwaves, including 33 poll workers during the elections, the true toll is likely much higher. Tragically, babies like Ina Khan, only six months old, remain unaccounted for in official statistics, leaving grieving parents searching for answers and support.

As temperatures continue to rise, it is crucial for authorities and society as a whole to address these vulnerabilities and prioritize the well-being of all citizens, particularly those at the highest risk during extreme heatwaves.