Lahore, April 8, 2025: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Tuesday issued a severe heatwave alert, warning that temperatures across major cities, southern Punjab, and the plains could rise 4 to 7°C above normal in the coming days.
The extreme heat is expected to pose serious health risks, including heatstroke, dehydration, and related medical emergencies, especially as the region already faces a drought-like situation due to prolonged below-normal rainfall.
In response, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that district administrations have been directed to implement emergency measures, including setting up shaded rest areas, maintaining water supplies, and establishing first aid and heatstroke counters at public spaces.
“We’ve asked hospitals to remain on high alert, stock up on emergency medicines, and deploy mobile health units in public areas,” said Kathia.
Key actions outlined in the PDMA directive include:
- Public awareness campaigns via mosque announcements, media platforms, and helplines
- School Education Department to reduce outdoor activities, shorten assemblies, and display heat awareness banners
- Livestock departments to ensure 24/7 operation of animal care centers and water availability in markets
- Factories and industries to provide heat protection gear and adjust working hours
- Installation of water coolers at public locations, including bus terminals and railway stations
- Instructions to not leave children or pets in parked vehicles due to the risk of fatal heat buildup
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb echoed the warnings, urging the public to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity between 11 AM and 4 PM, stay hydrated, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
“Special care must be given to children, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions like heart disease and diabetes,” she said, adding that uninterrupted water and electricity supply would be ensured to help citizens cope.
She also called on NGOs and social welfare organizations to assist in distributing cold drinking water and offering temporary shelter to at-risk communities.
The government is launching a round-the-clock public service announcement campaign across print, electronic, and social media to keep citizens informed.
As the province braces for scorching temperatures, authorities emphasize early recognition of heatstroke symptoms — including dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, and unconsciousness — and advise seeking immediate medical help in such cases.
