Pakistan

Citizens advised to avoid travelling during ‘extreme heat wave’

NDMA, in its alert, emphasised the importance of taking precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses

News Desk June 21, 2023

An Edhi volunteer provides an elderly passerby relief from the heat near Merewether Tower (left), while a traffic policeman uses an umbrella to shade himself from the blazing sun (right). PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS

With scorching summer winds intensifying across the country, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged citizens to refrain from travelling during extreme heat wave and issued a warning about the potential melting of glaciers in snowy regions.

NDMA, in its alert, emphasised the importance of taking precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. To combat the heat stress, the authority advised people to remain vigilant and increase their water intake.

Beat the Heat with Care#NDMApk pic.twitter.com/VtavhK68GT
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) June 20, 2023

It cautioned against consuming carbonated drinks, instead recommending the consumption of lemon water and oral rehydration solution (ORS) to stay hydrated.

Read more: PDMA warns of intense heatwave

Furthermore, individuals were encouraged to wear lightweight and breathable clothing and to cover their heads during the hottest hours of the day to shield themselves from excessive heat exposure.

گرمی کی شدت سے بچنے کیلئے احتیاطی تدابیر pic.twitter.com/a49bwImtN7
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) June 20, 2023

In the event of someone experiencing fainting spells due to the heat, the NDMA suggested pouring cold water on their heads as a first-aid measure.

The statement highlighted that relevant authorities are on high alert and prepared to handle any untoward situations that may arise as a result of extreme weather conditions.

گرمی کی شدت سے بچاؤ کے لیے احتیاطی تدابیر pic.twitter.com/uwHH4tPiLw
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) June 20, 2023

Additionally, the NDMA emphasised the importance of timely protective measures to mitigate potential damages caused by the melting of glaciers.

The authority stressed that climate change and rising temperatures have increased the vulnerability of snowy regions, making it crucial for individuals and communities to be proactive in safeguarding against potential disasters.

گرمی کی شدت سے بچاؤ کے حفاظتی اقدامات pic.twitter.com/cDiETJ2gDz
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) June 20, 2023

On Monday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that heat wave-like conditions would persist in most parts of the country from June 20-24 due to the high pressure in the upper atmosphere.

Temperatures are likely to increase gradually in most parts of the country during the period due to presence of high pressure in the upper atmosphere.

Day temperatures are likely to remain 04-06 degree Celsius above normal in upper and central Punjab, Islamabad, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and 02-04 degree Celsius above normal in Sindh, South Punjab and parts of Balochistan.

Occasional dust, thunderstorm with rain at isolated places (in pockets) is expected in the plains of the country and hilly areas during the period.

About possible impacts, the met office said that power and water demand will increase in the coming days due to rise in temperature.

The farmers are advised to manage the watering of crop accordingly while the general public is advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.

The citizens are also advised to ensure judicious use of water in all aspects of life.