Context:

Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has classified Heat Waves as a state-specific disaster to provide relief to affected populations through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

More on the news

• This declaration comes in response to the extreme heat experienced during April and May 2024, when many regions exceeded temperatures of 40°C, severely impacting public health. 
• As part of this initiative, families of those who die from heat-related causes, including relief workers, will receive ex-gratia payments of ₹4 lakh.
• This financial support allows for the utilization of the SDRF, which was previously unavailable since heatwaves were not recognized as natural calamities by the Centre.
• The notification aligns with guidelines from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which permit states to declare localized disasters and access relief funds under the SDRF, up to 10% of the fund's annual allocation.

What is a Heatwave?

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the definition of a heatwave varies based on the physiography of different regions. In the plains.

• Plains: Heatwave if the maximum temperature is 40°C or more.
• Coastal Areas: Heatwave if the maximum temperature is 37°C or more.
• Hills: Heatwave if the maximum temperature is 30°C or more.

The Disaster Management Act of 2005 recognizes 12 categories of notified disasters, but heatwaves are not included in the list of notified disasters.

Conditions for Heatwave Declaration:

• If the actual maximum temperature is 45°C or higher, a heat wave is declared, regardless of normal temperatures.
• The above temperature thresholds must be met at least in two stations in a meteorological subdivision.
• Alternatively, at least one station must record a corresponding departure from the normal temperature for at least two consecutive days.

Heat waves can lead to various health issues, including:

• Heat Cramps: Swelling and fainting, often with a fever below 39°C (102°F).
• Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps.
• Heat Stroke: A critical condition with body temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher, accompanied by confusion, seizures, or coma, which can be fatal.