Heatwaves & Lightning: Now National Disasters

The 16th Finance Commission has recommended the inclusion of heatwaves and lightning in India’s list of nationally notified disasters due to their rising frequency, intensity, and death toll.

The move would allow states to utilise funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide relief and assistance to affected people.

What is a “Nationally Notified Disaster”?

Aspect	Details
Definition	Disasters officially recognised by the Union government for financial assistance under SDRF and NDRF.
Funding Support	Inclusion allows predictable and formula-based funding for disaster relief and response.
Existing Disasters	Current SDRF list includes cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, cloudbursts, frost/cold waves, and pest attacks.

Why the Inclusion Matters

Issue	Importance
Heatwaves	Rising temperatures and urban heat-island effects are increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
Lightning	Lightning-related deaths are often linked to outdoor exposure, poor early-warning reach, and limited shelter access.
Relief Measures	States would gain access to SDRF resources for compensation, relief, and emergency response.
Climate Link	The recommendation reflects growing climate-related disaster risks in India.

PT Facts

SDRF: Primary fund available with State governments for disaster response.
NDRF: Supplements SDRF during severe disasters of national scale.
Heatwaves: Increasing due to climate change and urban heat-island effects.
Lightning Deaths: Often linked to outdoor exposure, weak warning systems, and lack of shelter access.

Source:

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