A India travel warning has been issued to UK tourists and holidaymakers after a heatwave killed 70 people with 50C heat recorded in the Asian country. The South Asian nation has recorded a record-breaking 49.9C heat in previous days with dozens of deaths across the country amid the weather emergency.
One Delhi resident, Haseem, told CNN: “[Voting is] a fundamental right and the foremost duty for every citizen of any republic or any democracy. We should be coming out, whatever the weather.” Another resident, a woman selling lemonade on the streets, told AFP: “The heat is so harsh here, that when the wind comes, it feels like someone is slapping your face.”
Twenty of the victims reportedly died from “sun stroke” between May 31 and June 2 in the eastern state of Odisha, according to its disaster management agency. “In Odisha we have been experiencing severe temperatures the last few days, the heat here isn’t as high as northern India but here high humidity is also a factor,” Satyabrata Sahu, Odisha’s special relief commissioner told CNN.
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The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel within the vicinity of the India-Pakistan border, except for at Wagah where travellers can cross the border. The FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar, and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for travel by air to and from the city of Jammu, travel within the city of Jammu and travel within the region of Ladakh.
The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur. In April-May 2023 violent ethnic clashes broke out across Manipur, including in the state capital Imphal. Curfews and other restrictions have been imposed in many parts of the state. There may be transport disruptions. Internet services may be limited and restrictions might be imposed at short notice.
You should avoid protests or large gatherings, follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company and monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions.