India Recognises Heatwaves as Natural Disasters Ahead of COP31
India Recognises Heatwaves as Natural Disasters Ahead of COP31
IN · Published Oct 26, 2026
• India has officially recognised heatwaves as natural disasters, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation measures as the country prepares for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Turkiye.
• Krishna S Vatsa, a member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), emphasised the challenges posed by inadequate international climate finance and technology access.

Impact & Risks

The recognition of heatwaves as disasters underscores their widespread impact on public health, infrastructure, and vulnerable populations across India. Without sufficient international adaptation finance, the country faces challenges in implementing large-scale mitigation strategies. Vulnerable communities are at heightened risk due to limited access to efficient cooling technologies and infrastructure upgrades, which are critical to combating extreme heat conditions.

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