Deadly heatwave continues in India

India (MNN) — Extreme hot temperatures in India have resulted in the deaths of more than 1100 people this week.

The heatwave has topped out at around 122F (50C), mostly in the southeastern states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Searing temperatures wreaked havoc with melting roads, crop failures, and power outages.

Although on the extreme end, the season isn’t unanticipated for people who live there. Two years ago, parts of India were hit with similar temperatures right before the monsoon season, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 people then, as well.

To combat the heat this time around, the government has issued advisories against going outside during midday hours. They’re also providing water for motorists and those who have to work outside.

Through their Facebook page, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India has been asking people to pray for their partners on the ground.

Although they haven’t heard anything specific, spokeswoman Lindsay Ackerman shares some of the ministry’s concerns:

*10-day Children’s Bible Clubs are underway, many of them taking place outdoors during the heat of the day. Many of the children are undernourished, and the heat can take a terrible toll on already vulnerable bodies.

*Many of their literacy students are day laborers, who have to work outside regardless of the temperatures. They then come to classes at night to learn basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. The high temperatures are draining on physical reserves, and there’s little relief when the sun goes down.

*Church planters travel all over during the day. The heat takes a toll on travelers. There are few places to find relief in the hottest parts of the day. That can disrupt church planter visits.

Annual monsoon rains that are expected to hit southern India in the coming days will bring some relief. Will you join Mission India in prayer for the heat wave to break and for the rains to come sooner than expected to cool down the temperatures?