New Delhi: With the United Nations (UN) sounding the alarm on global warming, the world is grappling with a heatwave. While warm weather may be enjoyable for some, the escalating heat poses a significant threat. Heatwaves can lead to droughts and fires, and most importantly, they can severely impact human health. The tragic loss of lives due to heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent, is a stark reminder of the human cost of climate change. This article will explore the top 10 worst heatwaves in history.
Worst heatwaves in history
Name
Year
Number of victims
European heatwave
2003
70,000 people
Russian heatwave
2010
56,000 people
North American heatwave
1988
10,000 people
American heatwave
1980
10,000 people
East of the United States heatwave
1901
9,500 people
Indian heatwave
2015
2,500 people
Pakistani heatwave
2015
2,000 people
Northeast American heatwave
1896
1,500 people
Greek heatwave
1987
1,500 people
Indian heatwave
2002
1,200 people
European Heatwave (2003)
In 2003, Europe experienced the worst heat wave in at least five centuries, and it is one of the worst heat waves in modern history. According to reports, the number of victims exceeded 70,000.
Russian heatwave (2010)
Second on the list is the 2010 Russia heatwave. The country experienced a severe heatwave with temperatures touching 40 degrees Celsius and above. It was considered one of the worst heatwaves in the region.
North American Heatwave (1988)
North America experienced one of the worst heatwaves in 1988, which began when temperatures suddenly rose that year. During this heatwave, around 10,000 people were lost.
American Heatwave (1980)
In 1980, the United States experienced one of the most severe heatwaves in history. The temperature rose suddenly, exacerbating the country’s drought. This condition caused about 1,700 people to fall due to dehydration.
Heatwave East of the United States (1901)
In 1901, the United States experienced one of the strongest heatwaves, especially in the eastern region. According to available statistics, at least 9,500 people died in this accident.
Indian Heatwave (2015)
India in April and May 2015 experienced one of the worst heatwaves, and during that time, an estimated 1,118 people had fallen ill, and by May 29, the death toll had risen to around 1,700.
Why in news?
India Metrological Department (IMD) has issued that heatwave will continue to occur over Uttar Pradesh and East India for the next four days. The IMD also reported that the heatwave in UP would begin on June 11 and continue till June 13. Other states like West Bengal, Bihar, Haryana, Jharkhand and Punjab will also be in the grip of a heatwave from June 10 to June 13. Similarly, Delhi, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, West Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand will also deal with heatwave from June 11 to 13.
What is a heatwave?
Heatwaves, characterised by prolonged periods of extreme heat, are among the most dangerous natural hazards. They can last several days and have a significant societal impact, including rising heat-related deaths. The unpredictability of these events underscores the importance of being prepared and aware. They can strain health and emergency services and increase water, energy, and transportation demand.
With the rise in temperature over the years, there has been an increase in heatwaves. Globally, heatwaves have affected many people and killed many. Let us look at the worst heatwaves in history. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
