The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab issued a warning on Tuesday, indicating that the ongoing heatwave is expected to persist throughout the week, with temperatures forecasted to range between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius.
A PDMA spokesperson emphasized that the heatwave would particularly impact districts such as Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Multan in South Punjab. According to PDMA data, temperatures soared to 43 degrees Celsius in Attock, Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur, Narowal, Kasur, Jhelum, and Toba Tek Singh yesterday, reaching 46 degrees Celsius in Okara and 44 degrees Celsius in Gujranwala and Lahore. Last year, the highest recorded temperature was 46 degrees Celsius.
In response to the heatwave, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Khan issued directives for public safety, aligning with the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
“The concerned institutions must remain vigilant,” stated the DGPDMA. “We are ensuring a clean water supply in Cholistan districts.”
“Heatwave counters have been established in all hospitals,” he added.
PDMA guidelines have been put in place to ensure the availability of necessary medicines for heatstroke prevention.
“We urge the provision of water and other necessities for animals in cattle markets,” emphasized the DGPDMA.
“The public is being educated about the dangers of heatwaves through the media,” he continued. “Citizens are encouraged to take precautionary measures.”
