Islamabad, Pakistan — As an extreme heat wave looms over Pakistan, authorities have issued urgent warnings, advising citizens to stay indoors to protect themselves from dangerously high temperatures. The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts that temperatures could soar up to 6 degrees Celsius above the monthly average, with many regions expected to experience heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius this week.
In response to the escalating temperatures, Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, has announced the closure of all schools for a week, impacting approximately 18 million students. “The sweltering heat will continue this month,” said Zaheer Ahmed Babar, a senior official at the Pakistan Meteorological Department. He cautioned that another intense heat wave is anticipated in June, potentially pushing temperatures to a scorching 45 degrees Celsius.
The extreme heat poses significant health risks, prompting health officials to instruct hospitals to establish emergency heatwave response centers. Medical professionals warn that heatstroke, a severe condition resulting from the body’s inability to regulate its temperature, can lead to disability or even death if not promptly treated. “People should drink plenty of water and avoid unnecessary travel,” advised Babar. “Farmers and livestock owners should take measures to protect their animals during the extreme heat.”
Despite the warnings, many Pakistanis face the harsh reality of having to work outdoors to support their families. “I am not feeling well because of the stifling heat, but I have to work,” said Ghulam Farid, a small general store owner in Sheikhupura, Punjab province. Construction workers like 52-year-old Mohammad Khursheed, waiting for jobs on the outskirts of Islamabad, have also noticed the changing climate patterns. “I feel the heat even in the morning, but people say the temperatures will go up even further,” he remarked.
The heat wave exacerbates existing challenges, including prolonged power outages in some areas. “We were without electricity for hours on Monday,” shared Ibrar Abbasi, a resident on the outskirts of Islamabad. The lack of power not only heightens discomfort but also hinders efforts to cope with the rising temperatures.
Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters has been starkly highlighted in recent years. The country recorded its wettest April since 1961, with rainfall more than double the usual amount, leading to devastating floods that destroyed property and farmland, and claimed numerous lives. In 2022, catastrophic floods caused by melting glaciers and intense monsoons resulted in $30 billion in losses and the deaths of 1,739 people.
Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events in Pakistan to climate change, driven by global factors such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and certain agricultural practices. These conditions are expected to lead to more frequent and prolonged bouts of extreme weather, including hotter temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
The government and experts emphasize the urgent need for preparedness and adaptation to mitigate the impact of climate change on the population. As Pakistan braces for the impending heat wave, the authorities’ message is clear: stay indoors, stay hydrated, and take all necessary precautions to safeguard health and wellbeing.
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Weather forecasters warn Pakistanis to stay indoors ahead of heat wave
cgtn.com
