Punjab

Heatwave may set off forest fires: PDMA

DG PDMA directs forest department to establish special teams for prevention of fires

APP April 13, 2023

A picture taken on June 18, 2017 shows a forest in flames during a wildfire near the village of Mega Fundeira. Portugal declared three days of national mourning from June 18, 2017 after the most deadly forest fire in its recent history, raging through the centre of the country. The fire, which broke out June 17, 2017 in the Pedrogao Grande district, had killed at least 62 people and injured more than 50, according to the latest official update by Sunday afternoon. PHOTO: AFP

LAHORE:

The Director-General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Imran Qureshi, chaired a meeting to strategise mitigation of the possible threats of a heatwave and forest fires that might occur in the coming days due to extreme heat.

The meeting was attended by Director (South) Hameedullah Malik, representatives from the Civil Defence, forests, agriculture, education, local government, industries, the Cholistan Development Authority of Bahawalpur and officers from other districts through a video link.

At the onset of the meeting, DG Imran Qureshi directed the departments to submit their plans to the PDMA regarding the prevention and management of the harmful effects of the heatwave.

The education department was asked to inform about the examination schedule of students. He emphasised the possibility of a heatwave due to climate changes, and the increase in its intensity could lead to forest fires. The forest department was directed to establish special teams to prevent forest fires and submit a report as soon as possible.

Moreover, the health department was instructed to complete its arrangements promptly to ensure safety of citizens and their properties.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2023.