The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) under the guidance of Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensive heat wave action plan 2023 to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat in the province.
The plan designed considering the adverse effects of climate change and rising temperatures, assigns clear roles and responsibilities to all stakeholders to ensure citizens’ health, safety, infrastructure, and forest protection. The Heat Wave Action Plan was developed with the consultations of relevant stakeholders and an analysis of past experiences of heat waves in the province.
The plan emphasizes the importance of awareness campaigns to educate citizens about preventive measures against heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) seasonal outlook, temperatures were expected to be slightly above normal in the upcoming two months.
With the anticipated rise in temperatures, the general public is advised to take necessary precautions to avoid heat stroke. To protect oneself from heat stroke and other heat-related ailments during the heat wave period, PDMA advises the masses to drink plenty of water, wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to allow better air circulation and reflect sunlight, limit direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, typically between 10 am to 4 pm.
Take frequent breaks in cool, or use fans to lower the body temperature.
