As the country braces for an intensifying summer heat wave, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a stern warning, advising residents to avoid travel during peak heat periods. Concurrently, it has raised concerns regarding potential glacial melting in the nation’s snow-clad regions.
In its public notification, the NDMA underscored the significance of practicing preventive measures to avert heat-induced medical conditions. In response to the mounting heat stress, the Authority urged citizens to be on high alert and enhance their hydration levels.
The NDMA advised against the intake of fizzy drinks. Instead, it advocated for replenishing fluids with lemon water and oral rehydration solutions (ORS), endorsing these as effective means to maintain hydration.
Find out more: Extreme heatwave Alert by PDMA
Moreover, the public has been advised to opt for light, breathable apparel and to ensure their heads are covered during the day’s most sweltering hours as a measure to minimize exposure to the intense heat.
In situations where individuals experience bouts of fainting due to overheating, the NDMA outlined immediate first-aid measures, such as dousing the person’s head with cool water.
In their announcement, the NDMA underscored that all relevant entities are poised and ready to manage any unforeseen circumstances arising from these severe weather conditions.
In addition to heatwave precautions, the NDMA underscored the need for prompt protective strategies to mitigate any harmful effects from glacial melting.
The Authority drew attention to the escalating vulnerability of snow-bound regions owing to climate change and rising global temperatures. It underlined the criticality for both individuals and communities to proactively protect themselves from potential environmental calamities.
Read More: Home to world’s 7,000 glaciers, Pakistan is facing growing threat of glacial melting
Recently, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued an alert that oppressive heat conditions are anticipated to persist across a majority of the nation from June 20-24, caused by high atmospheric pressure.
Owing to this atmospheric phenomenon, a steady rise in temperature is expected throughout the nation during this period.
Daytime temperatures are predicted to exceed the normal range by 04-06 degrees Celsius in upper and central Punjab, Islamabad, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and by 02-04 degrees Celsius in Sindh, South Punjab, and parts of Balochistan.
The PMD further forecasted sporadic occurrences of dust storms, thunderstorms, and rainfall in isolated areas across the country’s plains and hilly regions during this period.
Regarding potential ramifications, the meteorological department foresees a surge in power and water demand in the coming days due to temperature rise.
Agriculturists are thus urged to adapt their crop irrigation strategies accordingly, while the general public is cautioned against unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.
Lastly, citizens have been advised to ensure water is used judiciously in all walks of life, given the imminent circumstances.
