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THE poorest families and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of India’s blistering heat wave, reports global children’s charity Plan International.
At least 1,800 people have died - the highest death toll in 20 years - as temperatures reach 48 degrees.
Children from marginalised groups are in danger as they are less likely to have access to vital shelter and shade during the hottest times of the day.
Plan International is working in two of the most severely affected states Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where more than 90 per cent of deaths have taken place.
“The poorest, most marginalised families depend on having work every day to survive. They cannot take a break or stop working,” says Murali Kunduru, Plan’s Senior Disaster Risk Manager in India.
“Many have to take their children with them, carrying infants and young children to work sites where there is little shade.
“Street children are at particular risk too as they have to stay outdoors and there is no proper shelter for them.
“It has also affected the livelihoods of other low-income workers like rickshaw drivers, agricultural labourers and construction workers who are unable to work in the long hours of heat,” he adds.
Working through local partners, Plan is focusing on the most vulnerable families and street children.
At least 37,000 children and their families are being helped to access safe drinking water, as well as distributing oral rehydration salts and health advisory information.
It is hoped more than 500,000 people will benefit from specialist heath advice information over the coming week.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
