Heatwave to grip country next week
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that higher temperate of heatwave like conditions are expected in Pakistan during the current week starting from 13-4-2010 to 18-4-2010, and especially during Sindh, Balochistan and south Punjab.
Rising Temperatures Ahead
As it is well known, regional atmospheric pressure creates new developments and thus during the night many areas will experience a new round of high temperatures. The PMD further projected that the daytime temperatures could rise by 6 to 8 A.M in some areas within the next few days particularly from the 14th to the 18th of April.
The alert suggests that this heatwave could even cause dust storm and gusty winds therefore other difficulties in going on with each day activities and maintaining structures.
PMD’s Heatwave Advisory
Specifically, the highlighted department has urged those most vulnerable, which are; children, the elder and women to exercise higher precautions in the following ways.
One must ensure that one does not expose himself or herself to the sun directly between the hours of 11 in the morning and 4 in the evening.
Stay indoors as much as possible
At least, try to take enough water to prevent yourself from dehydration.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
Take precautions such as using umbrellas or other forms of protection from the sun where one is prone to be found.
There have also been sanctions that raise some concerns as to effects with regard to heat and windy conditions on electric poles, solar panels and trees.
Emergency Measures in Southern Punjab
Due to this forecast, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has arranged itself for heatwave as well as for drought, especially in Cholistan and its adjacent regions.
A session was held in Bahawalpur to deliberate of water supply plan as well as the drought management by the team including PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia and Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen.
Key decisions included:
Deployment of 10 water bowsers (4 with 12,500-litre capacity, 6 with 5,000-litre capacity)
Distribution of 2,000 jerry cans for water storage
Distribution of umbrellas to the affected areas in order to shield the people from the direct influence of the sun.
The PDMA DG confirmed that all these deputy commissioners should be on the alert so that there is no one who will be dull.
Coordination and Awareness
Government heads and council of health, education, livestock, agriculture, irrigation sector and local government were informed on civil precautionary measure, overall coordination, speedy response and alert mechanisms during emergencies.
To this end, DG Kathia introduced pamphleting and campaigns to enable the communities understand how to overcome augmented heat and drought conditions.
“We are fully prepared as per the directions of the Chief Minister,” he said to the media personnel present around. In particular, all departments related should collaborate; the public should also adhere to the measures and guidelines provided for safety measures. This is one of the most important tips that need to be followed to the later; do not waste water –every drop is as valuable as the other.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Due to this factor, heat waves are now frequent and severe in the globe with increased temperatures. It is widely anticipated that the week is going to be a tough one to endure, especially as far as its impact to the infrastructures and the citizens as well are concerned.
In light of this, the government advises the public to exercise a lot of caution, avoid provoking the heat and ensure that there is updated information about the adverse weather conditions in the country.
