LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has launched province-wide measures to tackle the expected heatwave and rising humidity following special directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
According to the PDMA spokesperson, climate change is likely to intensify heatwave conditions and humidity across the province. Heatwave relief camps have been established in vulnerable districts, while hospitals have been directed to set up dedicated heatwave counters and ensure the availability of essential medicines.
The authority warned that temperatures and humidity are expected to rise further in Thal, Cholistan and districts of southern Punjab. Arrangements have also been made to ensure the supply of clean drinking water through filtration plants, water bowsers and public water points.
The spokesperson said smog guns have been deployed in districts expected to experience extreme heat and humidity on the chief minister's directives. Hot and humid weather is forecast to persist throughout July, while 24-hour control rooms have been activated to monitor the situation and provide timely public updates.
All district control rooms have been placed on high alert to ensure an immediate response to any emergency. Hospitals and district administrations have also been instructed to keep ORS, cold drinking water and medical staff available for heatstroke patients.
The PDMA said all relevant departments, including the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Rescue services, the Livestock Department and district administrations, remain in constant coordination to respond promptly to changing conditions.
Relief camps in urban areas have been equipped with clean drinking water, ORS and first aid facilities, while mobile health teams will remain active to respond to heatstroke and dehydration cases. The authority also warned that rising temperatures could accelerate snowmelt in northern areas.
The PDMA urged the public to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities between 10am and 4pm, wear loose, light-coloured clothing and increase water intake to stay protected from the heat.