Punjab is facing the threat of a severe heatwave during the Eid-ul-Adha holidays, prompting PDMA to issue alerts and safety guidelines for citizens, livestock handlers, traders and district administrations.
According to PDMA Punjab, temperatures in most districts of the province are expected to remain 4 to 7°C above normal during the Eid holidays.
In Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot and other districts, temperatures may reach 42°C.
Southern Punjab districts, including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha and Jhang, may experience extreme heat, with mercury possibly rising to 50°C.
Heatwave intensity may continue at night
PDMA Punjab warned that the intensity of the heatwave may continue even at night.
DG Umar Javed urged the public to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary travel or exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10am and 5pm. He said citizens should drink plenty of water and fluids to protect themselves from heat-related illness.
Citizens advised to take precautions
PDMA advised people to wear light-colored, loose cotton clothes and use hats or umbrellas when going outside. Children, elderly people, sick individuals and heart patients have been urged to stay indoors during extreme heat.
Citizens have also been asked to understand the symptoms of heatstroke and seek immediate hydration and medical help if needed.
Travel, water safety guidelines
PDMA advised people to check vehicle tyre pressure and radiator water levels before starting any journey during the heatwave. The authority also urged citizens to use water carefully to prevent shortages during the hot weather.
People were asked to keep water containers filled for birds and animals.
Special instructions for Eid workers and livestock
During Eid days, butchers, livestock traders and cleaning staff have been advised to take special precautions against heatstroke. PDMA said livestock should be given water frequently and sprinkled with water to protect them from extreme heat.
Authorities have also been directed to ensure drinking water and temporary shade at cattle markets set up for Eid-ul-Adha.
Umar Javed said medical and veterinary camps are being set up in markets and public places to deal with any emergency involving people or animals. For emergency help or heatwave-related information, citizens can contact PDMA’s helpline at 1129.
PDMA has issued guidelines to all concerned institutions and directed district administrations to remain alert for any emergency situation.
Umar Javed said major urban and plain areas of Punjab, especially southern Punjab, are at risk of intense heat this month. He said heatwave damage can be reduced through precautionary measures.
Punjab chief minister’s instructions
Under the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, protective measures are being taken to safeguard citizens from the heatwave. Deputy commissioners have been directed to ensure heatwave protection facilities at public places.
District administrations have also been instructed to run public awareness campaigns through helpline numbers and mosque announcements.
PDMA directed authorities to inform citizens about heatwave risks through print, electronic and social media. Banners will also be displayed at bus stands and railway stations to spread awareness.
Farmers will be informed about the possible effects of heatwaves on crops.
Hospitals and veterinary centers put on alert
The Local Government Department has been directed to ensure water supply at public gathering points. Veterinary care centers have been instructed to remain active 24 hours a day.
The Health Department has been told to keep heatwave counters active in hospitals and ensure the availability of first-aid medicines for heat-affected people.
Mobile health units and permanent medical camps will also be established in public places.
NDMA issues countrywide weather alert
The National Disaster Management Authority has also issued an alert for heatwave, glacial lake outbursts and landslides across the country. Provincial disaster management authorities have been instructed to keep preparations complete.
The NDMA alert covers expected weather conditions from May 26 to 31.
Heatwave in Sindh, Balochistan, southern Punjab
According to NDMA, temperatures may reach 40°C to 48°C in different areas during the remaining days of May. An intense heatwave is expected in Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab.
Preventive measures include the deployment of emergency response teams, establishment of cooling centers and medical arrangements.
Rain possible in northern areas
NDMA said light rain may occur in northern areas, including the Potohar region, under the influence of westerly winds. However, intense heat is causing glaciers to melt rapidly in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.
NDMA warned that landslides and floods are increasing due to rapid glacier melting. Road links between Shimshal, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shaskat Bala and Pasu have been declared vulnerable to landslides.
Roads in Shigar Valley, Skardu, Deosai and along the Karakoram Highway are also at risk of blockage due to landslides.
NDMA identified several areas at risk of flooding, including Darkot, Lasht, Reshan, Boni, Bad Swat, Shaspar, Gilgan, Hanarchi, Roshan and Kumrat.
Risk areas also include Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan.
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