Heatwave may set off forest fires: PDMA
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 13th, 2023.