Heat wave death toll passes 1,000 in India

Some reports are saying that as many as 1,400 people have died in India due to the country’s latest severe heat wave, where temperatures are reaching well over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Several news organizations are posting photos of melting asphalt in New Delhi streets.

Indians are hoping for monsoon season rains to come soon and provide some relief from the sweltering temperatures.

Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal reached BBC Correspondent Justin Rowlatt in Delhi.

“Everybody here is being warned, take things easy. Don’t push it in this terrible heat,” says Rowlatt.  

But many of India’s poorest residents don’t have the luxury of taking a few days off work.

“They’re desperate for the work, so they go out and continue to work hard (in the heat),” Rowlatt says.  “What people are waiting for is the great release of the monsoon, which cools temperatures down.”