Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) under the supervision of relief, rehabilitation and settlement department has unveiled a comprehensive heat wave action plan 2023 to mitigate the impact of extreme heat in the province.
The plan was designed considering the adverse effects of climate change and rising temperatures and to assign clear roles and responsibilities to all stakeholders to ensure protection of locals’ health, infrastructure and forests.
The action plan was developed through consultations with stakeholders and analysis of past experiences of heat waves in the province.
The plan emphasizes the importance of awareness campaigns to educate citizens about preventive measures against heat strokes and other heat-related illnesses. It highlights the significance of monitoring weather forecasts, tracking heat indices, issuing heat warnings, and activating emergency response teams.
The action plan presents a range of response activities to protect residents from heat-related illnesses and provides guidelines to follow in the event of unforeseen emergencies.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) seasonal outlook, temperatures are expected to be slightly above normal in the upcoming two months. With the anticipated rise in temperatures, the general public is advised to take necessary precautions to avoid heat stroke.
As per experts the symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, loss of consciousness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and headache.
To protect oneself from heat stroke and other heat-related ailments during heatwave period, PDMA advises the masses to drink plenty of water, wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to allow better air circulation and reflect sunlight, limit direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm.
The general public has been directed to take frequent breaks in a cool place, or use fans to lower the body temperature, plan outdoor activities wisely and if engaging in outdoor work, schedule them during cooler parts of the day.
They were asked to monitor weather forecasts and heat advisories and take regular breaks to rest. The heatwave plan also includes provisions for safeguarding public livelihoods.
Instructions have been issued to address the potential impact on agricultural land and products.
It has been observed that if the temperature rises one degree above the normal, agricultural products may experience a loss of up to six percent.
Talking to journalists Director General PDMA Janat Gul Afridi said “We have identified vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic medical conditions, and have incorporated specific measures to protect these groups from the adverse effects of extreme heat.”
He further added, “The effective implementation of this plan will significantly reduce the impact of heat waves in the province. The helpline of the PDMA 1700 is functional and can be contacted anytime in case of any emergency.”
PDMA urged all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the heat wave action plan and understand their respective roles and responsibilities to ensure a coordinated and effective response in the event of a heat wave emergency.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 18th, 2023.
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