NDMA warns of severe heatwave till June 22
Men ride on a motorbike as they cover their heads with a wet cloth to cool off and to avoid sunlight, during a hot summer day, as the heatwave continues in Jacobabad, Pakistan May 26. Photo: REUTERS
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an impact-based advisory warning of an intense heatwave from June 18 to 22, urging the public to take precautionary measures to minimise health risks.
The heatwave is expected to severely affect parts of southern Punjab, Sindh, eastern Balochistan, and southern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, according to the advisory issued by NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) on Wednesday.
“High-pressure systems in the upper atmosphere are likely to persist, leading to extreme temperatures, particularly in Jacobabad, Dadu, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur and Nawabshah,” the advisory stated. Daytime temperatures are forecast to soar between 46°C and 48°C.
In Punjab, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rajanpur are likely to be hit hard, while Sibi, Nasirabad, Dera Murad Jamali, and Jaffarabad in Balochistan, and Tank, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan in KP will also experience extreme heat.
The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity, especially between 11am and 4pm, wear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing, and stay hydrated.
“Do not leave children or the elderly unattended in parked vehicles,” the advisory added, stressing the importance of checking on vulnerable individuals.
The NDMA is monitoring the situation closely and is coordinating with relevant provincial and local authorities. Citizens have been encouraged to follow updates from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), NDMA, and local disaster management authorities.
Any emergencies should be reported to local helplines or Provincial Disaster Management Authority control rooms.