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Nautapa is from 25 May to 2 June
New Delhi: Several states in North India are currently in the grip of severe heat. In numerous states—including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab—the intensity of the heatwave is so severe that stepping out of one's home has become an arduous task. Driven by Nautapa, the scorching heat, hot winds, and oppressive sultriness are escalating into a formidable force.
Essentially, the period between 25 May and 2 June each year is known as 'Nautapa.' During this duration, temperatures soar dramatically, making it extremely difficult for people to venture outdoors.
The Cause Of Nautapa
During the final days of May, the Sun enters the Tropic of Cancer. Due to its alignment with the Tropic of Cancer, the Sun is positioned closer to the Earth; consequently, it unleashes a veritable shower of intense heat. As the Sun traverses the Tropic of Cancer, the Earth's temperature rises, leading to a surge in extreme heat and the prevalence of scorching winds.
The Onset Of Extreme Heat
This year, too, Nautapa has ushered in a wave of extreme heat. The situation remains dire across several metropolitan areas and cities, including Delhi. People are being forced to endure intense heat not only during the day but throughout the night as well.
That Tragic Year
In the past, Nautapa has wreaked havoc across the country on several occasions. In terms of recent history, the year 2015 proved to be particularly tragic due to the combined impact of Nautapa and severe heatwaves. In 2015, the scorching heat, hot winds, and oppressive sultriness claimed a total of 2,500 lives across various parts of the country.
Countless individuals fell ill, and hospitals were overwhelmed to capacity. To compound the misery, acute shortages of water and electricity further exacerbated the plight of the people. Power and water shortages amidst the scorching heat were identified as the cause of the fatalities.
Deserted Streets
The intensity of the heat that year can be gauged by the fact that the streets of several cities across the country remained deserted from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. People were advised to refrain from venturing outdoors to protect themselves from the heat.
Widespread Havoc
Due to the 'Nautapa' (the nine hottest days of the summer), widespread havoc persisted across several regions for an extended period in 2015. The streets would lie desolate during the afternoons. Many people suffered deteriorating health after falling victim to the heatwave and extreme temperatures.
Highest Death Toll
In 2015, the heatwave’s most severe impact was witnessed in the southern Indian states. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the death toll exceeded 1,735 and 585, respectively. These regions were the worst affected by the heatwave. Additional fatalities were reported in West Bengal and Odisha.
