Delhi's Burning
By: Aaron Hochman-Zimmerman
A week-long blast of unseasonably cold weather last night claimed the life of its seventh victim, according to reports compiled by the Times of India.
The poor and homeless, who are exposed to the elements and have no access to modern medical care, are obviously the most susceptible. Hundreds are believed to have died across all of Northern India, according to reports.
Dense fog mixed with smog has played havoc on the city's Indira Gandhi International Airport, delaying foreign and domestic air service.
"It's not usually this cold," said Kunal Kumar who has run a chai cart on Delhi's Main Bazaar for 15 years.
Up and down the muddy street of old Delhi people wrap themselves in extra blankets, scarves and hats. They burn anything they can find and huddle around trash fires. The smells of burning paper and ash add a biting quality to the cold polluted air.
Even locals are affected by the weather and hack and spit in the street (which is not uncommon in any season). Westerners who spend long stretches of time in the city speak of the cough they expect to come down with everytime they stay more than a week or two in the capital.
Well written. One of the best articles in the bunch. But the subject is a little dull--and to me sadly, uninteresting.
ReplyDeleteIsn't there something a little more spicy than the weather report? "Cold weather in India...we don't have jackets. The beginning of a crisis. Stay tuned."
Hey at least it's well written.