Heatwaves: Unacknowledged Disaster Amid Rising Fatalities

The 15th Finance Commission dismissed the expansion of notified disasters to include heatwaves despite the fact that they resulted in 10,635 deaths between 2013 and 2023. Improved monitoring by the India Meteorological Department has minimized damage, but states still face significant challenges. Current national disaster lists cover 12 calamities, with states seeking to address region-specific events.

The government informed the Lok Sabha that the 15th Finance Commission rejected states' requests to include heatwaves in the list of notified disasters, despite significant fatalities.

Between 2013 and 2023, extreme heat claimed 10,635 lives, as reported by Union Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh.

Although improved monitoring by the India Meteorological Department has mitigated damage, significant challenges remain.

The existing notified disaster list covers 12 calamities, and states can use up to 10% of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for localized incidents not on the list.

States requested the inclusion of additional calamities, such as heatwaves, but the commission deemed many of them as region-specific and difficult to quantify.

Data shows severe impacts, including record-breaking heatwaves and overwhelmed infrastructure, particularly in 2023.

Delhi experienced a severe water crisis, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in parts of Rajasthan.