These Photos Show How People Are Coping With Extreme Heat Across South Asia
Record-high temperatures have been plaguing India and Pakistan for weeks, and show no sign of ending any time soon.
Heat-related deaths are being reported in Western India after two days of record-high temperatures.
Temperatures soared to 124 degrees Fahrenheit (51 degrees Celsius) in the desert state of Rajasthan over the past few days.
Last Thursday was the hottest day ever recorded in India.
In some areas roads melted and people became stuck in tar as they attempted to cross.
Pedestrians in Gujarat's Valsad had a nasty surprise waiting for them on Saturday https://t.co/WTYqA0mUEx
There have been at least 16 deaths in Rajasthan, where nearly 17,000 villages in 19 of 33 districts were facing water shortages, the Associated Press reported.
In the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, 109 heat-related deaths have been reported. In western Gujarat state, 17 heatstroke deaths were reported.
Officials issued "severe heatwave" warnings across large areas of the country over the weekend.
India declares a heatwave when the maximum temperature hits 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius).
Hospitals have been on standby since the heatwave began and were asked to set aside beds for patients with heatstroke.
Schools were shut in many states and free sweetened cold water was handed out to New Delhi.
In Pakistan the heatwave has been so intense that people have undertaken grim preparations for the worst.
Gravediggers have begun digging mass graves in case the heatwave kills many. Last year, more than 1,300 people died in Karachi during a similar heatwave.
Temperatures hit 111 degrees Fahrenheit (44 degrees Celsius) in Karachi last week, their highest since 1981.
April, May, and June are the hottest months in South Asia, before the monsoon season brings cooler temperatures.
But recent temperatures have been unusually high, even for the region.
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Alicia Melville-Smith is a homepage editor and reporter for BuzzFeed News and is based in London.
Contact Alicia Melville-Smith at alicia.melville-smith@buzzfeed.com.
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