Temperatures reach new records in Delhi, India

India is experiencing one of its hottest summers on record this year, placing massive strain on the Delhi Fire Services.

Transcript

00:00Fire engine sirens blasting through the streets of New Delhi has become a common daily affair

00:06in the summer of 2024.

00:08The Indian capital has been plagued by sweltering heatwaves this year, with a record-breaking

00:1349 degrees Celsius reported in early June.

00:16There's no relief, even from the shade sometimes.

00:19In the afternoon I'm drinking five to six litres of water.

00:22I was feeling a little uneasy in the heat.

00:24I've worn a hat to protect my head because it was aching in the heat.

00:28The scorching weather has left the city's fire service stretched to its limit.

00:35In my 32-year-long career with Delhi Fire Services, this has been the hottest year with

00:39the most fire calls.

00:41We get at least 200 to 250 calls daily.

00:44My jawan are almost stretched out.

00:47They are not able to sleep.

00:48They are not, you know, take the rest.

00:49Man has to go inside and inhale the smoke and the heat and then, you know, you get tired

00:56actually.

00:57Reports reporting fire have nearly doubled in the city of 20 million, especially from

01:01the older parts of Delhi crammed with shops, homes and poor electrical wiring.

01:05Experts say strained electrical systems raise the risk of overheating, especially when consumption

01:11exceeds the system's capacity.

01:13Depending on our experiences, more than 70% of causes of fire are electrical origins only.

01:22Firefighters have described having to work in doubly strenuous conditions.

01:26Most will work for 24 hours at a stretch before resting, while senior officers work

01:3072 hours straight.

01:32With pressure mounting under punishing heat, Delhi Fire Services are implementing change.

01:37By August, 350 firefighters in training will add to the department's existing force of

01:42around 1,800.

01:44The department will also be procuring smaller vehicles that can navigate Delhi's congested

01:49roads and even robots to reach hard-to-access areas.

01:52An emergency service pushed to its limits in the face of warming summers.