Punjab’s Disaster Management Authority Issues Heatwave Alert
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a heatwave alert for Punjab, predicting temperatures to rise up to 50 degrees Celsius in southern districts. The spokesperson stated that temperatures are expected to remain between 5 and 7 degrees above normal from May 25 to May 31.
Authorities Warned of Intense Heat
The PDMA warned that temperatures could range between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius in upper Punjab, including areas like Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur, and Faisalabad. In southern Punjab, temperatures could rise between 47 and 50 degrees Celsius.
General Precautions Advised
Nabeel Javed, Relief Commissioner, directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners to remain on high alert. Umar Javed, Director General of PDMA, advised citizens to avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. He also urged children, women, and elderly citizens to take precautionary measures during peak heat hours.
Farmers and Rescue Teams Also Advised
The PDMA instructed farmers to protect crops and livestock from the extreme heat, while Rescue 1122 was directed to prepare for heatstroke and dehydration emergencies. Urban relief camps were ordered to be established with clean drinking water, ORS, and first aid facilities.