Heat Wave Hits India
2009-9-28 13:2
A heat wave is warming up Jaipur City in northwestern Rajasthan state, more than locals would like.
The mercury has hovered between 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit in the month of September alone.
According to shopkeepers the excessive heat this year has cut their profits to less than 50 percent.
[Naresh Kumar, Shop Owner]:
"You can experience such heat in the morning around 10am. There are tourists but most of them just window shop. There are customers who purchase but are very choosy about shopping making our margins very less."
Most people prefer to stay indoors, and those who don't have the luxury of staying indoors are seen wearing headscarves and carrying umbrellas to save themselves from the scorching sun.
[Manju, Local Resident]:
"In Navratri we couldn't enjoy a single bit because of this weather. Even going to the office has become tough affecting our professional life as well."
Summer in Rajasthan was a difficult time when soaring temperatures led to numerous casualties and deaths across the state.
