Life under a Delhi flyover: how one homeless family endures the city’s extreme heat Homeless individuals in Delhi are disproportionately affected by extreme heat, facing deadly consequences due to unreliable access to essential resources. Shahida, a young mother living under a flyover with her baby, endures daily challenges including lack of shade, water, and adequate sleep, with her primary concern being her child’s survival. Despite the hardships, including demolished shelters and insufficient public facilities, families like Shahida’s find ways to cope, cherishing small moments of relief and holding onto hope for a better future.

• Delhi is experiencing extreme summer heat, with temperatures consistently reaching 43C.
• Homeless populations are highly vulnerable to heat extremes, lacking access to food, water, and healthcare.
• Last summer, at least 192 homeless people died in Delhi during a nine-day heatwave.
• Shahida, a homeless woman, fears for her baby’s health amidst the punishing heat.
• Her family of 10 lives under a flyover after their temporary shelters were repeatedly demolished.
• The family’s daily life is dictated by the heat, impacting sleep, hydration, and cooking.
• Women face increased vulnerability due to caregiving responsibilities and constant vigilance.
• Delhi faces a significant deficit in shelter capacity, forcing many to remain on the streets.
• Public shelters are often inadequate and trap heat, offering little respite.
• Despite the challenges, families like Shahida’s strive to survive, finding solace in small comforts and holding onto hope.