Peshawar bakes in scorching heatwave

Despite improved weather conditions after premonsoon rains in parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a severe heatwave struck Peshawar district, resulting in one fatality and dozens of hospitalizations. Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) received 60 patients with heatstroke symptoms, and other hospitals also reported a significant influx of heatstroke cases. Despite the start of premonsoon rains in parts of K-P, a severe heatwave hit the Peshawar district on the 24th and 25th of June, resulting in one fatality and the hospitalization of dozens of individuals.

One individual lost their life despite the dedicated efforts of the medical staff. However, the majority of the patients received treatment at the hospital, and their conditions stabilized, leading to their subsequent discharge. A spokesperson for the hospital said: “Our hospital alone received 60 patients, in which one died and six are still under treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU).” The spokesperson further explained that despite the warnings issued and the directive for locals to take precautionary measures, these patients were admitted, emphasizing that ice blocks had been procured from the market to alleviate the effects of the heatwave.

The old ICU at the hospital was repurposed to accommodate the heatstroke patients, and currently, six patients remain on ventilators in the ICU. In anticipation of the potential heatwave, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had issued alerts across the province. The meteorological office had forecast a rise of four to six degrees centigrade in temperatures, which could trigger flash floods in areas such as Upper and Lower Chitral, Kohistan, Upper and Lower Dir, and Swat due to snow and glacier melting. The PDMA promptly notified district administrations, urging them to inform local communities residing near glaciers about the situation and take precautionary measures.

“All stakeholders, including district administrations, have been instructed to put emergency rescue services and other officials on red alert and keep all necessary emergency response equipment readily available,” stated an official from the PDMA. Deputy commissioners were also tasked with informing tourists about the potential dangers in these districts to prevent travel to sensitive areas. Additionally, the PDMA ensured that roads would remain open during potential flash floods and that road repair machinery would be available as needed. The PDMA’s emergency operation center has been on high alert, actively functioning round the clock. In collaboration with the PDMA, the Relief, Rehabilitation & Settlement Department finalized the Monsoon Contingency Plan 2023.