A persistent and severe heat wave continues to swallow up large expanses of Pakistan, with temperatures that skyrocket at alarming levels across the country.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the current heat wave should persist until Thursday, June 13, with temperatures in many regions remaining considerably above seasonal standards.
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The PMD reports that the temperatures of the higher and central punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Cashmere, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, Balutchistan and southern Punjab vary between 4 and 7 ° C above average.
In response, citizens were strongly advised to avoid exposure to direct sun, in particular between 11 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and to remain well hydrated to reduce the risk of heat stroke.
The situation is particularly critical in simple areas, where temperatures should remain extremely high until Wednesday and Thursday, accompanied by dusty winds in the afternoon.
According to a spokesperson for the provincial Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Bhakkar recorded the highest temperature in the country at 50 ° C..
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Other cities such as Dera Ghazi Khan and Noorpur Thal recorded 49 ° C, while Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Layyah and Mandi Bahauddin saw summits of 48 ° C. Bahawalnagar, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Sheikhupura and Sialkot have all temperatures torrids reaching up to 47 ° C.
The main urban centers, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Attock and Sahiwal, are also faced with extreme heat, with forecasts predicting temperatures between 45 ° C and 47 ° C.
In terms of humidity, Multan recorded 46 ° C with 56% relative humidity, Dera Ghazi Khan 46 ° C with 42%, Sargodha 47 ° C with 52% and Lahore 46 ° C with 36%, indicating dangerous heat index levels.
Rescue commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed and the director general of the PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, issued directives to all the assistant commissioners to stay on alert.
The authorities were invited to ensure the availability of cold drinking water in public places, bus terminals and markets, and to prioritize water supply in the Cholistan region subject to drought.
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Response to heat response counters have been established in all the main hospitals, and arrangements have been taken to ensure the availability of essential drugs.
The DG PDMA urged the public to show extreme caution during the heat wave, in particular to protect vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those who have pre -existing health problems.
Citizens are advised to avoid intense physical activity or outdoor work during peak hours, to wear light -colored cotton clothes and stay inside unless it is absolutely necessary.
In the event of an emergency, citizens can contact the PDMA assistance line at 1129 for immediate assistance.
