Heatwaves and lightening added to SDRF, NDRF relief norms

New Delhi | Desk: Natural calamities, including Heatwaves and lightning, have now been included under the operational guidelines for the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). 

The Union Home Ministry, during the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, acting on the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, notified natural calamities, considering the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events arising from climate change.

Following which it was informed that there were at least 20 heat stroke deaths reported in the Country between March 1 and July 26 this year. While a total of 4,853 cases of heat stroke were notified. 

Further, the minister said, a policy framework for providing relief assistance through the SDRF and NDRF is now in place, and heatwave mitigation projects are also eligible under the disaster mitigation funds.