KARACHI/BAHAWALPUR:
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday issued a heatwave alert for the country, forecasting soaring temperatures from April 13 to 18, particularly affecting Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab.
A new spell of intense heat is expected to grip most parts of the country due to prevailing atmospheric pressure.
Starting April 13, a rise in temperatures will begin to impact various regions, potentially escalating into a full-blown heatwave by April 14.
The advisory states that the heatwave is likely to persist in Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab until April 18, with daytime temperatures expected to rise 6 to 8 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages.
The PMD further warned that the extreme heat and rising temperatures could trigger dust storms and gusty winds. Citizens, especially children, the elderly and women, have been urged to take precautions, avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the day and stay hydrated.
Moreover, there is also a risk of damage to infrastructure such as electric poles, trees and solar panels due to strong winds and heat-induced weather events.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of the potential drought linked to the upcoming heatwave, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has sprung into action on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
A high-level meeting was convened at the commissioner’s office in Bahawalpur, chaired by PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia and Bahawalpur Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen.
Deputy commissioners and the managing director of the Cholistan Development Authority were also in attendance.
The meeting reviewed measures to combat drought-like conditions and ensure water supply in Cholistan. The MD of the Cholistan Authority briefed officials on the ground situation regarding water availability and drought risk.
PDMA DG Irfan Kathia said that in light of the looming threat, the authority has already provided 2,000 jerry cans and 10 water bowsers for use in Cholistan. Among these, four bowsers can store 12,500 litres of water each, while the remaining six can hold 5,000 litres.
To protect people from extreme heat and sunlight, umbrellas are also being distributed in affected areas.
DG Kathia directed all deputy commissioners to remain on high alert, stressing that there was no room for complacency.
The meeting was attended by officials from key departments, including health, education, livestock, irrigation, agriculture, local government and other relevant agencies. They were briefed to maintain coordination to tackle any crisis jointly.
The PDMA DG also distributed awareness pamphlets and highlighted the Punjab government’s preparedness.
Speaking to the media, he said that all necessary arrangements had been completed under the chief minister’s directions and urged people to strictly follow precautionary measures during the heatwave.
“Relevant departments can tackle the drought threat through mutual cooperation,” he said and urged the public against wasting water under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, awareness campaigns are also being rolled out to educate citizens about preventive measures for both heatwaves and drought conditions.
