T.N. declares heatwaves a State-specific disaster

Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has officially declared heatwaves a State-specific disaster and announced ex-gratia payments of ₹4 lakh for families of individuals who die of heat-related causes.

Heatwaves

• Definition: Period of unusually high temperatures compared to what is normally expected in a region.
• Criteria for Declaring a Heat Wave in India:
  • Plains: Maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C.
  • Coastal Stations: Maximum temperature reaches at least 37°C.
  • Hilly Regions: Maximum temperature reaches at least 30°C.
• Classification of Heat Waves:
  • Based on Departure from Normal:
    • Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C.
    • Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal exceeds 6.4°C.
  • Based on Actual Maximum Temperature (Plains Only):
    • Heat Wave: Actual maximum temperature reaches 45°C.
    • Severe Heat Wave: Actual maximum temperature reaches 47°C.
• Declaration Criteria:
  • Conditions must be met in at least two stations within a Meteorological sub-division.
  • Conditions must persist for at least two consecutive days.
• Favourable Conditions for Heat Waves:
  • Hot and Dry Air: Acts as a reservoir of heat, transported by prevailing winds.
  • Low Humidity Levels: Allows heat accumulation and limits nighttime cooling.
  • Clear Skies: Enables uninterrupted sunlight, raising ground and air temperatures.
  • Large Amplitude Anticyclonic Flow: Sinking air compresses and warms adiabatically.
  • Geographical Considerations: More frequent in arid/semi-arid regions, like Northwest India.
  • Climate Change: Increased baseline temperatures enhance the likelihood and intensity of heatwaves.

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State-Specific Disasters

• Definition: Disasters that are local to a state and not listed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Announcement: Declared by the State Government.
• Funding Mechanism: Utilises up to 10% of the funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for immediate relief.
• Responsible Authority: State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), established under the Disaster Management Act of 2005.
• SDMA Composition: Chaired by the Chief Minister and includes no more than eight members appointed by the Chief Minister.
• Role of SDMA: Prepares and implements the state disaster management plan in line with the National Disaster Management Plan.

Heat Dome

• Definition: it is a weather phenomenon where a high-pressure system traps warm air, acting like a lid on a pot.
• Characteristics:
  • Warm air cannot rise, resulting in clear skies.
  • The high-pressure system allows more sunlight to reach the earth, leading to increased warming and soil drying.
  • Reduced evaporation limits rain cloud formation.

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