India Faces Severe Heatwave Exposure, Infants and Elderly at High Risk
India Faces Severe Heatwave Exposure, Infants and Elderly at High Risk
India · Published Oct 28, 2026
• India is among the top nations experiencing severe heatwave exposure, as highlighted in the tenth Lancet Countdown report.
• Vulnerable groups, including infants and older adults, are disproportionately affected by extreme heat events.

Impact & Risks

Infants and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to heatwaves due to physiological factors. Infants have immature thermoregulatory systems, higher metabolic rates, and reduced sweating capacity, making them prone to rapid overheating and dehydration. Older adults face challenges such as diminished cardiovascular resilience, reduced sweating, and impaired thirst perception, which increase their risk of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, myocardial infarction, and kidney injury. The lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, further heightens the risks for these groups. Without immediate action, the health impacts of heatwaves are expected to worsen, leading to preventable morbidity and mortality.

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