PESHAWER(National Times)- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has directed all deputy commissioners to take precautionary measures ahead of heatwave conditions that are slated to begin from May 8 (Friday).
In the letter sent, a copy of which is available with Dawn, the PDMA said heatwave conditions were likely to develop over the province’s plain areas from May 8 to May 10.
It said that daytime temperatures may rise to 43–47°C in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, Karak, and Lakki Marwat. It also forecast daytime temperatures between 39–43°C in Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Haripur, and Kohat.
“Afterward, a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect most parts of the province on 10th (evening/ night) and likely to persist in the upper parts till May 13. This system is likely to bring relief from the prevailing hot conditions in the province,” it said.
“It is therefore requested to kindly take all precautionary measures to avoid any loss of life, damages to crops and livestock,” the department said.
The department directed the concerned authorities to launch awareness campaigns to inform the public about the heatwave conditions. This also included ensuring that the general public, especially senior citizens and children, were aware of the situation and avoided direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours.
This also included ensuring the general public was made aware of using water judiciously for drinking and cooling off, and encouraging individuals with underlying health conditions to remain especially vigilant and ensuring they had the necessary medical supplies readily available.
It also directed to educate the public about the signs of heat-related illnesses and the steps that should be taken in this regard.
Further, the health department, in coordination with the local administrations, were directed to mobilise resources to establish heatstroke centres, cooling points, and mobile cooling stations at high-traffic areas.
They were also told to ensure the facilities were equipped with adequate cooling equipment and drinking water, and had the necessary trained personnel available to provide immediate medical assistance if needed.
Farmers are advised to manage their crop activities while keeping in mind the weather conditions and to take care of their livestock. Emergency services were told to remain on alert against possible possible fires and undertake preventative measures.
A day earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced a forecast of heatwave conditions across the country this week.
At least 10 people died across Karachi on Monday due to intense heat as the mercury surged to 44.1°C — the highest temperature recorded since 2018 — accompanied by gusts of continental winds that persisted throughout the day, officials said.
The same day, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued sweeping emergency protocols and placed hospitals on alert as extreme, above-normal summer temperatures threatened millions across the country.
