The meteorological department has issued a heatwave alert amidst intense heat already being experienced in several parts of Punjab.
According to local residents, school students are the worst affected because of the harsh weather with the summer vacations several weeks away.
According to officials, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority has warned the deputy commissioners and relevant authorities, including the secretaries of environment and primary and secondary healthcare and the Rescue 1122 director general about intensifying heat, especially in Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.
The officials were informed that arrangements should be made on an emergency basis to cope with the situation.
The local people were advised to minimise outdoor activities to protect themselves from the adverse effects of the hot weather.
The father of a student said some cases of schoolchildren fainting due to the hot weather had taken place.
He said many private schools lacked proper drinking water and ventilation facilities despite charging high fees.
Load-shedding of electricity despite the high temperatures has aggravated the situation. Most of the schools lack a back-up power system.
The meteorological department forecast that the temperature in Bahawalpur would soar soar in the morning and reach about 45 degrees Celsius.
An official urged the elderly and children to stay indoors till the temperature subsides. Those venturing outside must protect themselves from the sun, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 17th, 2024.
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