Delhi heatwave crisis: How soaring power demand impacts residents

India’s capital Delhi is currently facing a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 45C and power demand hitting record highs of 8,647 MW. As residents rely heavily on cooling appliances amidst the scorching heat, power outages have become a common occurrence, affecting not only daily life but also critical services like airport operations. The situation has been exacerbated by a water crisis, with crowds gathering around water trucks in desperate need. With the weather department predicting a prolonged heatwave and below-normal rainfall, the coming days are likely to be challenging for residents. The recent spate of heat-related deaths further underscores the urgency of addressing the growing climate crisis in India.