The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued detailed guidelines to relevant departments across the province in response to forecasts predicting a rise in temperature by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius this month. These measures come as major cities, plains, and particularly districts in South Punjab are expected to face extreme heat, with the potential for significant public health and safety concerns.
Director General of PDMA has stressed the need for district administrations to remain on high alert, urging them to prepare for any emergency situations caused by the heatwave. Deputy commissioners have been tasked with ensuring that heatwave protection facilities, such as cooling centers and water stations, are available at public places to mitigate the effects of the rising temperatures.
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To further protect citizens, the PDMA has called for increased public awareness efforts. Authorities are advised to utilize print, electronic, and social media platforms to educate people on the dangers of heatwaves. The School Education Department has also been instructed to suspend all outdoor activities during peak heat hours to safeguard children’s health.
Additionally, the Health Department has been directed to establish heatwave counters at hospitals to manage potential heat-related illnesses. Farmers will be educated about the potential impacts on crops, and awareness banners will be placed at bus stands and railway stations. Citizens are encouraged to take precautions by covering their heads when outdoors and drinking plenty of water to avoid heatstroke and other related illnesses.
