NDMA issues heatwave alert

ISLAMABAD:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged the provincial disaster management authorities (PDMAs) and local authorities to take effective response measures to mitigate the impact of imminent heatwave expected in some areas of the country this week.

Quoting meteorological department, the NDMA has warned that the first heatwave of the season is likely to grip the plains of Sindh, southern Punjab, eastern and southern Balochistan from Tuesday to Saturday.

“Temperatures are most likely to soar in sub-mountainous areas of the country. Dust raising winds are also expected in Sindh and Balochistan during the period,” said a press release issued by the NDMA on Tuesday.

The PDMAs and other relevant authorities have been asked to establish heatstroke stabilisation centres and relief centres at government and private hospitals, basic, rural health units or any available government buildings and community centres by ensuring basic facilities there.

The local authorities have been asked to improve coordination with emergency services and different departments, besides enhancing awareness campaign to educate the public on preventive measures, the press release added.

“A helpline should be set up to assist the affected people on a priority. General public, especially heatstroke victims should be provided water and necessary emergency medicines. The people especially farmers should be warned about possible dust storm during harvesting and threshing.”

According to the press release, the PDMAs have been told to timely inform the NDMA about the assistance needed in establishing heatstroke centres, awareness campaign, or the issue of sending SMS alerts in relevant areas.

Authorities should ensure water conservation, availability of uninterrupted power supply, availability of standby generators in heatstroke centres/hospitals. Emergency services, ambulances with trained paramedics should be available round the clock, especially during day time,” the NDMA said.

APP