Extreme Heat Searing Cities Across Pakistan

A heatwave in Pakistan is pushing temperatures past 45°C in major cities, with Bhakkar and Jacobabad reaching 49°C. Hospitals are overwhelmed with heatstroke cases, prompting authorities to provide relief measures. Forecasters indicate the oppressive heat will continue for at least the next 48-72 hours, raising serious health concerns for many citizens.

A severe heatwave has gripped Pakistan over the past week, with almost all cities in Punjab reporting scorching temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. Bhakkar and Jacobabad, two cities taking the brunt of the heat, recorded extreme highs of 49°C. The Pakistan Meteorological Department doesn’t expect conditions to improve today, warning the public to brace for more hot and dry weather across most of the country.

“Mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very hot in plain areas,” said the Met Department in a statement. They also mentioned the possibility of dust-raising winds in the plains during the afternoon. In contrast, isolated rain and thunderstorms might provide some relief in parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan in the evening.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has noted unbearable conditions throughout Punjab, including stifling temperatures of 47.8°C in Sargodha City and 46.2°C in Lahore. Meanwhile, the hill station of Murree stood out as a cool refuge at just 32°C. Heat was not solely confined to Punjab; as Sindh saw Jacobabad hitting 49°C and Mohenjo-Daro at 48°C. Karachi felt the heat too, reporting 40°C but with a suffocating 70% humidity.

In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) plains, cities like Peshawar felt the heat with temperatures reaching 45-46°C. Balochistan wasn’t spared either, with Sibi and Turbat reporting 47°C, though Quetta enjoyed a slightly cooler 38°C. As the heat bore down, many stayed indoors, leaving streets and markets eerily deserted. Rickshaw driver Muhammad Asif expressed the frustration of many, stating, “The heat is unbearable. Even standing in the shade feels like being in an oven.”

Hospitals in Punjab have been inundated with heatstroke cases, particularly among vulnerable groups like laborers, the elderly, and children. The authorities have responded by establishing dedicated heatstroke treatment counters in government hospitals. The relentless heat is compounded by sporadic power outages, leaving many trapped without fans or air-conditioning.

To address the extreme conditions, the National Disaster Management Authority has urged all provincial departments to stay vigilant. In response, Punjab’s government is implementing measures to alleviate the situation. The Punjab Relief Commissioner, Nabil Javed, has directed authorities to remain prepared while ensuring the provision of cool drinking water at public areas and transport hubs. Hospitals are also being stocked with medical supplies for heat-related illnesses.

Residents have been warned about the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, particularly between 11am and 4pm. Light-colored, loose clothing is being recommended, especially for at-risk groups like children, elderly, and the sick. Additionally, the authorities advised that strenuous activity should be avoided to prevent heat stress, while urging anyone experiencing heatstroke symptoms to contact PDMA’s emergency helpline 1129.

The situation looks grim as the Met Department predicts the extreme heat will linger for another 48 to 72 hours. PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia sounded the alarm, calling it a “life-threatening situation” and emphasizing the need to protect the most vulnerable populations from the ongoing heat wave.

The extreme heat wave across Pakistan has left virtually all cities, especially in Punjab and Sindh, grappling with dangerously high temperatures. The health of residents, particularly vulnerable groups, is at risk as hospitals are already flooded with heatstroke cases. While authorities are stepping in to provide relief, including access to cool drinking water and medical care, the scorching conditions are expected to persist for several days, highlighting the urgency of protective measures.

Original Source: asianews.network