It’s never been this cold at night in Benares! 

An exceptionally strong cold wave has struck the north of India. Normally, winters are short and mild. This year, an intense cold wave has paralised Uttar Pradesh and the most fragile members of the populace suffer terribly.  Deva Europe, Act and Help, and Humanitaire Himalaya have grouped together to offer blankets to the oldest and most impoverished. Millions of Indians live outdoors without shelter.

Since 5 January, the thermometer has been up to barely 5°, often 3°.