The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a nationwide alert warning of an intense heatwave in several regions until May 5.
According to the advisory from the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan were expected to face severe heatwave conditions. Major cities, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan and Turbat, were likely to remain under extreme heat. Along with this, central Punjab and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) may also see a sharp rise in temperatures.
The NDMA warned that the heatwave could increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and other health issues. Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water and take precautionary measures. The authority directed relevant departments to activate heatwave response plans, set up cooling centres and keep hospitals on alert. Provincial and district administrations were also instructed to remain vigilant to deal with any emergency.