The Storm: India once again set a new global record of most COVID-19 cases in a day, when they recorded 354,531 cases nationwide on the 25th of April. This was the fourth straight day of record peaks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all citizens to get vaccinated and practice extreme caution, as the ‘storm’ of the second wave had shaken the country to its core. PM Modi further stated ‘we were confident, our spirits were up after successfully tackling the first wave, but this storm has shaken the nation’.
The situation worsens: The Delhi lockdown has been extended further to take all measures possible to stop the insane spread of the virus. Delhi Police chief stated that the lockdown was the last possible weapon in the war against COVID-19, but they have had to use it. Ghaziabad in the outskirts of Delhi witnessed some of the worst scenery imaginable as the street outside a Sikh Gurdwara had cars parked, filled with COVID-19 patients with handheld oxygen tanks, a scene that resembled a makeshift hospital ward in a war-torn region. Hospitals continue to face shortage of oxygen and beds.
“I’ve never seen such a terrifying situation. I can’t believe we’re in the capital of #India. People aren’t getting oxygen and they’re dying like animals”. Another horrifying ground report from @yogital, Fred Scott and Sanjay Ganguly in #Delhi #BBCNewsTen pic.twitter.com/UQCLVUQPyC
— Nicola Careem (@NicolaCareem) April 25, 2021
Relief efforts: Along with the 23 oxygen generation plants incoming from Germany, other countries have joined the fight to help India. 4 cryogenic tanks are expected from Singapore, while the USA has promised 5 tonnes of oxygen concentrator. Saudi Arabia is also expected to send 80 metric tonnes of oxygen. French president Emmanuel Macron has also announced that France will be gifting 8 oxygen plants to India.
❝I want to send a message of solidarity to the Indian people, facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. France is with you in this struggle, which spares no-one. We stand ready to provide our support.❞
— President Emmanuel Macron
— Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) April 23, 2021
Glad to see how other countries have stepped up to help India with immediate relief
– Germany sending 23 oxygen generation plant
– Singapore sending shipment of 4 cryogenic tankers
– US sending 5 tonnes of oxygen concentrator
– Saudi Arabia sending 80 metric tonne of oxygen— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 26, 2021
IPL star and Australian cricketer Pat Cummins posted a heartfelt message announcing that he has donated $50,000 to the ‘PM cares fund’ specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India’s hospitals in need.
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) April 26, 2021