The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an intense heatwave alert for Punjab during the Eid al-Adha holidays.
Temperatures across most districts of the province are expected to remain 4°C to 7°C above normal, with mercury rising as high as 42-45°C in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur, and Faisalabad.
Maximum temperatures are likely to remain 4-6°C above normal and may rise to 47-50°C in Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Joharabad, Khushab, Mianwali, Noor Pur Thal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and Sahiwal.
The public has been urged to adopt precautionary measures in view of the extreme heat and heatwave conditions, said the Director General of PDMA. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and going outdoors between 10 am and 5 pm.
PDMA Punjab has advised citizens to consume plenty of water and other fluids to avoid heat-related illnesses. People are also advised to wear light-coloured, cotton and loose-fitting clothes, and use caps or umbrellas to cover their heads when going outside.
Children and the elderly should be kept indoors during peak heat hours, PDMA Punjab said. Before travelling, citizens should check vehicle tyre pressure and ensure adequate water levels in radiators.
The authority also urged careful use of water in all sectors of life to avoid shortages during the extreme heat. People have been asked to place water containers for birds and animals in view of the intense weather conditions.
Butchers, livestock traders and sanitation workers have been advised to take special precautions against heatwave conditions during Eid days. Livestock owners have been directed to frequently provide water to animals and sprinkle water on them to protect them from the heat.
Temporary shade and drinking water arrangements should also be ensured at cattle markets set up for Eid-ul-Azha. The public has been urged to understand the symptoms of heatstroke and seek immediate hydration and medical assistance if needed.
To handle any emergency, medical and veterinary camps are being established for humans and animals at markets and public places, said DG Umar Javed.
