ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a heatwave alert for various regions in the country until May 5, urging authorities to remain on high alert to deal with possible cases of heatstroke and dehydration.
The NDMA’s latest warning comes amid increasingly unpredictable climate patterns across South Asia over the past few years. Several cities across southern, central and eastern Pakistan experience high temperatures every year during summer.
Experts worldwide have attributed the pattern of Pakistan’s frequent and intense heatwaves to broader shifts caused by global warming.
“A severe heatwave is expected in parts of Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan,” the NDMA said in a statement.
The NDMA warned that cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat will remain under intense heat conditions during this period.
It warned of a “significant rise” in temperature in parts of central Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
“Due to severe heat, there is a risk of increased cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and other health-related issues,” the authority said.
“The public is advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight during peak hours, drink plenty of water, and take precautionary measures.”
The NDMA said it has instructed authorities to activate heatwave plans, establish cooling centers and ensure hospitals remain on alert during the heatwave.
“NDMA has directed all provincial and district authorities to remain on high alert to deal with possible weather situations,” it added.
