In light of the impending heatwave threat, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab has issued comprehensive guidelines to relevant authorities.
According to the advisory, temperatures in Punjab are expected to rise by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius this month, with a significant risk of a severe heatwave affecting major cities, the plains areas, and especially the southern districts of Punjab.
The DG PDMA has issued instructions to the district administrations across Punjab to remain alert to deal with emergencies under the threat of a heatwave.
According to the DG PDMA, given the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, protective measures are being taken to protect the people during heatwaves. Deputy Commissioners should take steps to ensure heatwave protection facilities in public places, inform citizens about the dangers of heatwaves through helpline numbers, announcements in mosques, and social media.
PDMA Punjab has directed the School Education Department to ban outdoor activities of children and to put up posters in schools about the risk of heatwave.
PDMA says that farmers should be made aware of the effects of heatwave on crops, local government departments should ensure water supply at public gathering places, inform citizens about heatwave through banners at bus stands and railway stations, and ensure supply of clean water at animal market locations.
It has directed the Livestock Department to keep veterinary care centers active 24 hours a day and the Health Department to set up heatwave counters in hospitals.
PDMA has directed that availability of medicines should be ensured for first aid to people affected by heatwave, mobile health units and permanent medical camps should be set up in public places, citizens should avoid unnecessary travel during heatwave, keep their heads covered in the sun, and use water as much as possible.
