Deserted street and closed shops in Khajuraho during heatwave.
Khajuraho, India – A severe heatwave, with temperatures nearing 47 degrees Celsius, has brought normal life to a grinding halt in the historic city of Khajuraho, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage temples. The extreme weather conditions have resulted in deserted streets, shuttered businesses, and a complete standstill in tourist activity, with locals and authorities likening the situation to a COVID-19 lockdown.
The sweltering heat has deterred visitors from exploring the renowned temples and other attractions, severely impacting the local tourism industry, a primary economic driver for the region. Businesses, reliant on tourist footfall, have been forced to close their doors as temperatures make outdoor activity untenable.
Authorities have stepped in to mitigate the effects of the heatwave, providing essential services such as water supply and establishing shaded areas for the few people venturing out. However, the forecast indicates that heatwave conditions are expected to persist for at least another week across significant parts of India, prolonging the challenging circumstances for Khajuraho and other affected regions.