India heatwave kills 800 as capital’s roads melt

At least 800 people have died in a major heatwave that has swept across India, melting roads in New Delhi as temperatures neared 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit).

Hospitals are on alert to treat victims of heatstroke and authorities advise people to stay indoors, with no end in sight to the searing conditions.

India’s Meteorological Department says it issued heat warnings to several states where temperatures were forecast to top 45 degrees Celsius over the next few days.

“As of now, we don’t predict any respite from the extreme heatwave for the next few days,” said spokesman B. P. Yadav.

Hundreds of people — mainly from the poorest sections of society — die at the height of summer every year across the country, while tens of thousands suffer power cuts from an overburdened electricity grid.

— AFP