Extreme heat affects almost every aspect of an emergency response. The Kumamoto earthquake shows how extreme heat can become a powerful disaster risk multiplier. Planning ahead– The Kumamoto earthquake shows that disaster resilience is no longer just about building stronger infrastructure or improving earthquake-resistant design. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme heat, those planning for emergencies will have to factor this in. As the world experiences more heatwaves, extreme temperatures will pose new challenges for disaster recovery during the hottest parts of the year.