Advises citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink water and take precautionary measures
Men ride a motorcycle while covering their heads with a wet cloth to cool off and avoid sunlight, during a hot summer day, as the heat wave continues in Jacobabad, Pakistan, on May 26. Photo: REUTERS
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a national alert warning of an intense heat wave in several regions until May 5.
According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) advisory, Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan were expected to face severe heat wave conditions. Major cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat are likely to remain under extreme heat.
Apart from this, Central Punjab and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) may also experience a sharp rise in temperatures.
The NDMA warned that the heat wave could increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other health problems. Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and take precautionary measures.
The authority ordered relevant departments to activate heat wave response plans, set up cooling centers and keep hospitals on alert. Provincial and district administrations were also ordered to remain alert to deal with any emergency.
Read more: Karachi to hit 38C in next 3 days: Met Office
At the same time, the NDMA said a weather system was expected to bring dust storms, gusts of wind and rain to the upper and central districts of Punjab on April 24, 25 and 29. Areas including Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan were likely to receive rainfall.
In Balochistan, northern districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar were forecast to receive rains accompanied by strong winds between April 24-25 and April 27-29. Coastal areas, including Gwadar, were expected to remain hot and dry with a gradual rise in temperature.
According to the authority, Sindh is likely to remain hot and dry overall, with temperatures continuing to rise. However, Hyderabad, Badin and Mithi may experience light rain and gusty winds on April 24.
KP was also expected to witness intermittent rain and strong winds in districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat and Kurram during April 24-25 and April 27-29.
Also read: Mercury likely to hit 41°C as Karachi braces for heatwave
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to experience intermittent rain with thunderstorms from April 24 to 29.
The NDMA said the current weather pattern was consistent with its seasonal forecast issued three to four months earlier, noting that a detailed assessment for the April to June period had already been shared.
It further urged the public to stay updated through its official mobile application, “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert”, for timely information and guidance.
