Heatwaves, Lightning to Be Added to Notified Natural Calamities: Centre

Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the 16th Finance Commission recommended the inclusion of heatwaves and lightning in the list of notified natural calamities for the 2026-31 award period, citing rising extreme weather events from climate change. He noted 4,853 heat stroke cases and 20 confirmed deaths between March 1 and July 26 this year, with Telangana reporting the most cases (915), followed by West Bengal (733) and Chhattisgarh (660). The existing list of 12 disasters includes cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslides, avalanches, cloudburst, pest attack, and frost and cold waves.