The webinar on “Heatwave Early Warning and Heat Action Plans in South Asia,” co-organised by the South Asian Meteorological Association (SAMA), South Asia Heat Health Information Network (SAHHIN), and Integrated Research and Action for Development (IRADe), brought together experts, practitioners, disaster managers, and policymakers to enhance heat stress management across the South Asian region. The escalating frequency and intensity of heat waves in South Asia pose significant threats to human health, economic stability, and infrastructure. These extreme weather events exacerbate health issues such as heatstroke and dehydration, particularly impacting vulnerable populations and countries with limited resources.
In response, governments across the region have intensified efforts to enhance preparedness and resilience to heatwaves. Proactive measures have been undertaken by governments to improve prevention, preparedness, and mitigation measures for heatwave management. These efforts include the development of early warning systems, heat emergency response plans, and public awareness campaigns. Infrastructure resilience, such as cooling centres and access to potable water, is also being enhanced.
The uneven distribution of resources and vulnerabilities within and among countries underscores the need for continued collaboration at regional and international levels. Strengthening partnerships for data sharing, technology transfer, and capacity building can enhance the effectiveness of heatwave management efforts. Investment in research and innovation is crucial for better understanding the complex and dynamic issues of heatwaves and their impacts. Evidence-based policies and interventions informed by scientific knowledge can help mitigate future risks and improve resilience to heat waves.
There is a growing recognition of the need for impact-based warnings to address the multifaceted impacts of heat waves. Collaboration between meteorological experts and sector specialists is essential to develop tailored strategies for different sectors, such as agriculture, water, energy, and health. Organising training programmes and knowledge exchange initiatives can enhance the capacity of South Asian countries to develop and implement effective heatwave management strategies. The Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) initiative to develop impact-based warnings can serve as a model for regional collaboration and capacity building.
The webinar concluded with remarks from Dr Someshwar Das, Secretary of SAMA, who highlighted the importance of early warning systems for heatwaves and the necessity of communicating these warnings to the public to enhance safety, mitigation, and resilience. He emphasised the need for widespread public awareness, pointing out that South Asia is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves. According to records, the frequency and intensity of heat waves in urban areas are increasing due to climate change and global warming. Therefore, robust heat action plans are necessary to mitigate the adverse effects of heat waves.
