Heat Action Day 2025: Red Cross assists another Nepalese city with action plan

By Ramiz Khan, Climate Centre

The western Nepalese city of Dhangadhi, that suffers relentless yearly heatwaves of more than 40°C  because of its low elevation aggravated by rapid urbanization and lack of green spaces, has today published a comprehensive heat action plan supported by the Red Cross – the latest municipality in the country to do so.

The Climate Centre provided technical support for the research work behind the plan, which was also supported by the British Red Cross; the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has facilitated three other heat action plans for Nepalese cities, one of which, for Nepalgunj, was published in 2023, and the new Dhangadhi study includes detailed assessments of risk and community perceptions.   

Dhangadhi residents say extreme heat has become a significant threat to their well-being, with health, social, economic, and environmental consequences.

Deepak Bhandari, the city’s DRR focal point, said today: “The plan aims to minimize the adverse effects of rising temperatures on public health caused by climate change.

“In line with this plan, the city will move forward by coordinating with relevant development partners, organizations, communities, and stakeholders [and it] will be integrated with the sectoral plans of the municipality to ensure effective implementation.”

The heat action plan for Dhangadhi provides a framework for planning, implementing and evaluating actions to address extreme heat across various timescales (compact version).

It outlines steps aimed at reducing seasonal heat-risks, alongside long-term urban planning to tackle extreme heat affecting vulnerable populations.

It details actions for relevant stakeholders and the necessary interventions needed before, during and immediately after heatwaves to minimize health risks and deaths from heat.

‘The HAP will be integrated with the sectoral plans of the municipality for effective implementation’

Sagar Shrestha, NRCS Director of Disaster Management, adds: “Nepal is increasingly experiencing the impacts of global warming, including extreme heatwaves.

“In Dhangadhi, the Red Cross is working with local partners to help vulnerable communities cope through nature-based solutions, policy engagement, and youth involvement.

“We must scale up data-driven, long-term resilience efforts to protect lives and livelihoods nationwide. The NRCS is committed to bringing all stakeholders together to combat heat across the country.”

The NRCS has also published two useful fact sheets centred on Dhangadhi: Missed warnings, missed opportunities, optimizing the communication of heat alerts, and Under the scorching sun: Women’s experiences of extreme heat in Dhangadhi, Nepal.

These fact sheets – compiled by the NRCS in partnership with the Dhangadhi city and again with the technical support from the Climate Centre – evaluated how risk information and alerts for heat are perceived and accessed.

Nearly 1,000 people were interviewed and 25 focus group discussions held for people living in informal settlements, pregnant and lactating women, outdoor workers, students, and older individuals with chronic diseases.

Dhangadhi officials say they are identifying and prioritizing “quick-win projects that require minimal resources” alongside the Nepalese private sector and international donors. Pictured, a stakeholder meeting discusses the heat action plan for the city, published today to coincide with heat action day 2025. (Photo: Durga Rai)