LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued directives to district administrations to implement precautionary measures amid anticipated heatwave conditions during the Eidul Azha holidays.
According to the advisory, a heatwave is expected to persist from May 25 to May 31 under the influence of a high-pressure weather system forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The advisory indicated that temperatures in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot and other central and northern districts may reach between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius. In contrast, southern districts including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur and Sargodha are expected to experience more extreme conditions, with temperatures ranging from 47 to 50 degrees Celsius.
The authority cautioned that nighttime temperatures are likely to remain unusually high during the forecast period, increasing health risks for vulnerable populations, particularly children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.
A PDMA spokesperson stated that current weather conditions could negatively impact public health, agriculture, water availability, and routine socio-economic activities across the province.
The PDMA directed all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to activate emergency preparedness measures, including establishing heatwave relief and cooling points at cattle markets, bus terminals, railway stations, Eid prayer grounds, hospitals, and major marketplaces.
District administrations were instructed to ensure availability of safe drinking water, oral rehydration salts (ORS), shaded resting areas, fans, and first-aid facilities at public places. Additionally, mobile heat relief units and emergency response teams have been ordered to remain operational at livestock markets and busy commercial centres throughout the Eid period.
The PDMA further directed district authorities to maintain District Emergency Operations Centres at full readiness and appoint emergency coordinators to oversee response activities. Religious leaders, market associations, and social media activists have also been requested to assist in disseminating awareness about heatstroke prevention measures.
In a statement, PDMA Director General Umar Javed advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor activities between 10am and 5pm, maintain adequate hydration, and wear light-coloured cotton clothing to minimize heat exposure.
He recommended that motorists inspect tyre pressure and radiator water levels before travelling during the Eid holidays, warning that extreme temperatures may increase the risk of road accidents and vehicle breakdowns.
The authority also issued specific guidelines for butchers, sanitation workers, and livestock traders who are expected to work outdoors during Eid. Livestock owners were advised to ensure regular watering of animals and provide temporary shade at sacrificial animal markets. Veterinary camps and medical facilities for both humans and animals are being established at cattle markets and other public locations, according to the PDMA.
Citizens were urged to recognise symptoms of heatstroke and seek immediate medical attention in case of dehydration, dizziness, or exhaustion.
The PDMA additionally requested the public to conserve water carefully during the ongoing heat spell and encouraged placing water containers for birds and animals.