SRINAGAR: Heatwaves have been included in the list of notified natural calamities for the 2026–31 award period, enabling relief assistance through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), the Union Ministry of Home Affairs informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The Ministry said Jammu and Kashmir recorded three heatstroke cases and no confirmed heatstroke deaths between March 1 and July 26, 2026. Across the country, 4,853 heatstroke cases and 20 confirmed deaths were reported during the period. Maharashtra reported the highest number of confirmed heatstroke deaths at 11, followed by Andhra Pradesh with four. The National Disaster Management Authority has also issued national guidelines for effective heatwave management and guidelines for preparing Heat Action Plans, aimed at helping heatwave-prone States and Union Territories strengthen preparedness and response.