Madhya Pradesh Declares Heatwaves as Natural Disasters
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], September 30: In a significant decision, the Madhya Pradesh government has included heatwaves in its list of natural disasters. This means that individuals who suffer fatalities due to heatwaves will now receive compensation similar to that provided for other natural calamities.
Following directives from the central Ministry of Home Affairs, the state government has officially notified heatwaves as a local disaster under the Madhya Pradesh Disaster Management Act of 2005. The new regulation is set to take effect in the summer of 2025. As a result, individuals affected by heatwaves will be eligible for the same financial assistance that is currently available for those impacted by floods, earthquakes, and lightning strikes.
“The State Government hereby notifies heatwave (hyperthermia) as a local disaster as per clause 3.2 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Guidelines on the constitution and administration of the State Disaster Response Fund issued by letter No. 33-03-2021-NDM-I, dated 12th January 2022, from the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs (Disaster Management),” the Madhya Pradesh government said in an official statement.
Notably, a number of deaths were reported from Northern India during the summers, as temperatures rose significantly. The heatwave in large parts of the country claimed 114 lives and more than 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases were reported between March 1 and June 19 this year, according to sources from the Union Health Ministry. The maximum number of deaths due to heatstroke, till June 19, 2024, were reported from Uttar Pradesh (37), Bihar (17), Rajasthan (16), and Odisha (13).
Heatwaves are intense periods of excessively high temperatures, often accompanied by high humidity. They typically occur from April to June and can lead to serious health risks, including heatstroke and dehydration. The impact is especially severe in northern and central regions, where temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F). The effects can be devastating, affecting agriculture, water supply, and overall public health.
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Madhya Pradesh -: Madhya Pradesh is a state in central India. It is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Heatwaves -: Heatwaves are periods of extremely hot weather that can be dangerous to people’s health. They can cause illnesses like heatstroke.
Natural Disasters -: Natural disasters are severe events caused by nature, like earthquakes, floods, and now, heatwaves. They can cause a lot of damage and harm to people.
Compensation -: Compensation is money given to people to help them recover from damage or loss. In this case, it helps people affected by heatwaves.
Ministry of Home Affairs -: The Ministry of Home Affairs is a part of the Indian government. It handles important issues like security and disaster management.
2025 -: 2025 is a year in the future. The new rules about heatwaves will start being used in the summer of that year.
Northern India -: Northern India is the top part of India. It includes states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi, where it can get very hot in the summer.