Islamabad Weather: Heatwave Alert Issued for Eidul Azha
As the heatwave alert has been issued, citizens are advised to take necessary precautions, and the government is urged to take measures to mitigate the effects of the heatwave, especially in rural and underserved areas, and to address the issue of child labor in the region.
Pakistan is bracing for a severe heatwave during the upcoming Eidul Azha holidays, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issuing a countrywide heatwave alert, warning of day temperatures rising 5-7C above normal in the upper half of the country.
The Met Office has warned that a high-pressure system developing over the country on June 07 will lead to sweltering heat, with temperatures 5-7 degrees Celsius above normal in central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan from June 7 to 12. Dust storms and gusty winds are also anticipated, and the public is advised to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
The authorities have urged the judicious use of water and requested farmers to plan their crop activities accordingly. The PMD has advised citizens, especially children, women, and older people, to take precautionary measures, including avoiding direct sunlight and staying hydrated. The heatwave advisory was issued after PMD officials informed a high-level meeting that temperatures were already above normal in Gilgit-Baltistan and were forecast to remain so in the days ahead, resulting in above-normal snowmelt.
The country's healthcare system is ill-prepared to respond to heat-related illnesses, particularly in rural and underserved areas, making it essential for citizens to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the heatwave. Meanwhile, in a separate development, a recent study has reported an alarming rise in child labor in neighboring India, with over 10 million children aged 5-14 engaged in some form of work, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of laws and regulations to prevent child labor.