Heat Wave Relief and Resilience for Vulnerable Communities – Summer 2026
This year’s early and intense onset of summer in India is raising serious concerns about the impact of heat waves on vulnerable communities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heat wave warning for central and eastern India beginning mid-April 2026. Temperatures in several regions are already crossing critical thresholds, with Delhi expected to exceed 40°C, and parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh likely to reach up to 43°C.
The country recorded its first widespread heatwave episode early in the season, with severe conditions reported across Gujarat’s Saurashtra and Kutch regions. Temperatures ranging between 38–42°C have been observed across Gujarat, West Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, and Marathwada, while several regions are experiencing temperatures significantly above normal—by as much as 5°C or more.
According to IMD, a heatwave is declared when temperatures reach 45°C or exceed normal levels by 4.5°C. The early arrival and intensity of heatwaves point to a worrying pattern linked to climate change, with a shrinking transition period between winter and summer. Experts warn that 2026 could match or exceed 2024, the warmest year on record—placing additional strain on public health systems, livelihoods, and power infrastructure.
For millions of informal workers, daily wage earners, and marginalized communities, these extreme temperatures are not just uncomfortable, they are life-threatening.
ActionAid Association’s Response
ActionAid Association is actively mobilizing to respond to the escalating heat wave crisis. Our interventions focus on providing immediate relief to those most exposed to extreme heat, particularly informal workers such as brick kiln labourers, street vendors, and daily wage earners.
Our teams are establishing cooling and hydration stations at key public locations including bus stands, marketplaces, and labour congregation points. These stations aim to support both workers and the public during peak heat hours.
In addition, we are distributing Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), safe drinking water, and nutritional supplements to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate communities on heatwave precautions and early signs of heat stress.
Our current priority regions include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Rajasthan where vulnerable populations are at heightened risk.
We plan to provide heat protection kits, which will include:
- Cotton cloths to protect the head and neck from direct sun exposure
- Reusable water bottles to promote hydration
- Energy and hydration supplements such as fruit juice, lemon water, coconut water, ORS / Electral powder, and sattu powder
- Portable umbrellas or temporary shaded structures for street vendors and brick kiln workers
We will distribute informational flyers and posters on:
- Preventive measures to stay cool
- Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
- Emergency contact information
- Community engagement sessions to promote safe practices during extreme heat
We will organize meetings with employers, contractors, and local businesses to:
- Ensure provision of shaded rest areas
- Encourage regular work breaks
- Facilitate access to clean drinking water at workplaces
The scale and intensity of this year’s heatwave demand urgent and coordinated action. Your support can help save lives and protect the dignity of those most vulnerable to extreme heat.
We seek your support to:
- Deliver timely relief in high-risk regions
- Reach the most vulnerable workers and communities
- Strengthen preparedness and build resilience against future climate shocks
Your generous contribution can make a critical difference in preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths.
Donate Now!
All Donations to ActionAid Association including online donations recieve tax exemptions under Section 80G of Income Tax Act.
or email us at fundindia@actionaid.org.
| Donate through bank transfer | ||
| Account Name | ACTIONAID ASSOCIATION | |
| Bank Name | Axis Bank Ltd | |
| Branch Name | Bangalore (KT) | |
| Account Number | 009010101455298 | |
| Address | No 9, M G Road, Block A, Bengaluru, | |
| Karnataka 560001 | ||
| RTGS/NEFT/IFSC Code | UTIB0000009 | |
| Please mention your name and contact number in the remittance column when you transfer your donation. | ||
Every rupee counts! Your donation, no matter the size will support relief efforts.
ActionAid Association is committed to providing urgent humanitarian aid to the affected communities in India. Our focus is on supporting vulnerable families, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, to rebuild their lives and regain their livelihoods. Engaged with the most marginalized communities in India since 1972, ActionAid Association works in 24 states and three union territories with several partners and allied organizations. During our 50 years of service and solidarity with vulnerable communities, we have responded to several emergencies across the country including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, COVID-19 and more recently, the Punjab flood relief, with the aim to reach the unreached.
Emergency Response
See how we've responded to past emergencies, including relief distribution and community recovery efforts.
Click to See Our Previous Emergency ResponseMontha Cyclone Emergency-relief | ActionAid Association
Help Us Rebuild Lives After Cyclone Montha
Cyclone Montha has left a trail of destruction across the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, bringing heavy rains, flooding, and widespread devastation. The worst affected are low-income families, daily-wage workers, fisherfolk, women-headed households, tribal communities, persons with disabilities, and the elderly — people whose lives and livelihoods were already fragile.
Homes, crops, and livelihoods have been washed away. Many families are now displaced, taking refuge in makeshift shelters, struggling to find safety, food, and dignity amid the ruins.
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has conducted an aerial visit of affected districts on 29th and then reviewed loss and damages. The Chief Minister’s Office has shared that the cyclone impacted 18 lakh people across 249 mandals/blocks, 1,434 villages and 48 municipalities in the state. Crops such as paddy, cotton, maize and black gram suffered damage across more than 59,000 hectares, affecting 78,796 farmers. Damage worth up to Rs. 36 crore was reported in rural water supply, and more than Rs.16 crores in irrigation works..
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has initiated immediate relief measures for Cyclone Montha affected families. The Chief Minister has directed that Rs 3,000 be provided as financial assistance along with 25 to 50 kg of rice to affected families – especially affected fisherfolk families and weavers.
ActionAid Association’s Response
ActionAid Association’s volunteers are on the ground in Nellore and Visakhapatnam districts, working alongside government frontline teams to evacuate residents from low-lying areas and ensure safe shelter for women, children, and the elderly.
Our state team has carried out rapid assessments in the worst-hit communities to identify immediate needs and plan targeted relief. Together with local partners and volunteers, we aim to reach 2,000 vulnerable families with essential support.
All Donations to ActionAid Association including online donations recieve tax exemptions under Section 80G of Income Tax Act.
or email us at fundindia@actionaid.org.
| Donate through bank transfer | ||
| Account Name | ACTIONAID ASSOCIATION | |
| Bank Name | Axis Bank Ltd | |
| Branch Name | Bangalore (KT) | |
| Account Number | 009010101455298 | |
| Address | No 9, M G Road, Block A, Bengaluru, | |
| Karnataka 560001 | ||
| RTGS/NEFT/IFSC Code | UTIB0000009 | |
| Please mention your name and contact number in the remittance column when you transfer your donation. | ||
Donate: Every rupee counts! Your donation, no matter the size will support relief efforts.
Our Mission:
ActionAid Association is committed to providing urgent humanitarian aid to the affected communities in Northern India. Our focus is on supporting vulnerable families, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, to rebuild their lives and regain their livelihoods. Engaged with the most marginalised communities in India since 1972, ActionAid Association works in 24 states and three territories with several partners and allied organisations. During our 50 years of service and solidarity with vulnerable communities, we have responded to several emergencies across the country including floods, cyclones, earthquakes and, more recently, Covid -19 and the Assam flood relief, with the aim to reach the unreached.
