Heatwave Advisory: Punjab Schools on High Alert
The heatwave is expected to have a significant impact on daily life, with the public advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe, including wearing protective clothing and staying indoors during the hottest part of the day, and the government is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of the heatwave.
Pakistan is bracing for a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to rise to 46-48°C in southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan from April 13-18, prompting concerns for public health and safety, particularly for school-going children.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted high temperatures in various cities, including Karachi (36°C), Lahore (37°C), and Islamabad (41°C), with the heatwave expected to last from April 14 to 19. To combat the heat, experts recommend wearing light-colored and breathable clothing, such as cotton, linen, and lawn fabric, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
The country is already experiencing drought-like conditions, with large parts of its agricultural regions facing water scarcity, and the Met Office has advised farmers to take precautions. However, experts say that long-term climate adaptation measures are needed to mitigate the effects of climate change, which is exacerbating the water scarcity issue, with reservoirs depleted to critical levels.
The government is urged to take decisive action to protect the public and secure the country's future in the face of climate change, particularly in the education sector, where heatwave advisory protocols should be implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of students, especially in Punjab schools.