ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued a high-level heatwave alert for the southern and central parts of Pakistan from May 19 to 26.
The weather alert warned that Sindh, South Punjab, and Eastern Balochistan are likely to experience dangerously high temperatures, exceeding 42°C in the coming days.
The National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC) has ordered authorities to activate emergency response measures to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the risk of heat-related emergencies.
The weather alert further said that the rising temperatures can increase the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides in the northern areas of the country from May 19 to 23.
The areas sensitive to GLOF and landslides include Khurdopin, Ashkoman, Dasu, Shisper, Hunarcho, Gulkin, Darkut, Arkar, and the surrounding valleys in Gligit-Baltistan.
In Punjab, the areas likely to be most affected by the intensive heatwave include Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Sargodha, Lodhran, Khanewal, Vehari, and Lahore.
In Sindh, Karachi, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Naushero Feroze, Kashmore, Tharparkar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Mirpurkhas, Badin, and surrounding districts will be the most affected.
The alert also mentioned several areas in Balochistan, including Turbat, Sibi, Uthal, Jhal Magsi, Dera Murad Jamali, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Usta Muhammad, Kachhi, Lasbela, and Panjgur, as vulnerable to extreme heat conditions.
NDMA warned that prolonged exposure to intense heat could lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke, particularly among children, elderly citizens, and outdoor workers.
The advisory has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight during peak hours, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and take special care of children, the elderly, and sick individuals.
Rain predicted in upper parts of country
However, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted dust-thunderstorm and rain with occasional gaps in the upper parts of the country from May 18 to 23, bringing a temporary relief from rising temperatures.
Under the influence of this weather system, thunderstorms and rain with isolated hailstorms are expected in areas across Gilgit Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, Shigar, and in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian Bala, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, from tonight to May 23, with occasional gaps.
As per the advisory, the rain with isolated hailstroms is also expected in Islamabad and the districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The PMD has also alerted that moderate to isolated heavy falls may trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the forecast period.
