A second wave of the coronavirus pandemic is battering India with nearly 20 million people infected and close to 220,000 dead — although unofficial figures are believed to be much higher.

Overwhelmed hospitals are dealing with a shortage of vaccines, ventilators and oxygen as thousands of bodies are being burned every day in makeshift crematoriums across the country.

Critics have blamed the surge on the federal government for allowing religious gathering and rallies. The international community is rushing aid to India — but experts warn it could be months before cases and fatalities subside in the country. 

https://youtu.be/JQtWB5t0VgM

Anand Naidoo spoke with journalist Asad Ashraf who’s on the ground covering the pandemic in India.