The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued nationwide heat emergency protocols, placing hospitals on alert as the country anticipates above-normal summer temperatures in May and June.
In a press statement, the NDMA Early Warning Team forecast daytime temperatures in May and June to remain above normal and advised all relevant stakeholders, including provincial and local administration, health and line departments, rescue agencies, the armed forces, and federal ministries, to implement its guidelines.
In its advisory, the NDMA directed provincial and district management authorities to undertake public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of heatwaves and promoting preventative measures. Additionally, it said steps must be taken to protect children in schools, including through scheduled adjustments or temporary closures, if deemed necessary.
Educational institutions, NGOs, and community organizations, states the statement, should educate students and local communities about heatstroke symptoms, emergency procedures, and how to access medical support.
The guidelines call for identifying high-risk areas and establishing heatstroke treatment facilities. They also urge the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to issue directives to enhance hospital and departmental capacities for managing heat-related emergencies. Additionally, it calls on authorities to stockpile emergency supplies, including first aid kits, oral rehydration salts, electrolyte drinks, cooling aids, and water dispensers, ensuring availability in strategic locations.
The NDMA also stressed upon the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority and the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority to monitor vulnerable sites in northern glaciated regions, warning the heatwave may trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incidents.
It said emergency services, forest departments, and local administrations must remain alert to the risk of forest and urban fires and undertake preventive measures where possible.
To facilitate heatwave response, the NDMA has called on authorities to establish control rooms for information and coordination, train relevant staff in heat-related response and rehabilitation efforts, and provide support to vulnerable populations. Agriculture and irrigation departments have been directed to advise farmers to manage crop water responsibly and harvest wheat as required.
On an individual level, the NDMA has advised staying hydrated, and carrying and drinking plenty of clean water throughout the day. Citizens have also been told to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It has advised the use of lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, sunscreen, and hats.
The advisory followed rising temperatures across much of Pakistan, with Sindh capital Karachi recording its hottest day of the year, with temperatures over 44 degrees Celsius.