Temperatures in parts of India and Pakistan have reached record levels, endangering millions of lives.
Last month, New Delhi saw seven days of 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), three degrees above the average temperature for the month of April.
In some states, schools had to be closed, damaged crops and farms and put pressure on energy supplies. Officials have warned residents to remain indoors and keep hydrated.
Areas such as the northern state of Punjab report reduced wheat yields and heat stress in workers.
“Because of the heatwave we’ve had a loss of more than 5 quintal (500 kilograms) per hectare of our April yield,” said Gurvinder Singh, director of agriculture.
In some parts of India, demand for electricity has led to a coal shortage, leaving millions without power for up to nine hours a day.
Passenger trains have been cancelled to clear pathways for cargo trains as the country scrambles to replenish coal stocks at power plants.
Meanwhile, many schools have been forced to close down as children who have to traveled to school experienced nosebleeds.
