Hundreds of deaths caused by the heat wave in India could have been avoided if authorities followed the example of a town which introduced measures such as areas with air-conditioning, in order to protect its citizens from the scorching heat, according to experts.

Around 1,786 people have lost their lives this week from the heat wave that struck southern India, with temperatures over 46 degrees Celsius in many cities, including New Delhi.

Doctors’ leaves have been recalled in order to combat the wave of thousands of patients rushing to the hospital. Most of the victims of the heat wave are construction workers, the elderly, and the homeless.

According to experts, India will have to face more and more heat waves due to climate change.