Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an official advisory concerning the expected heatwave across the province. The directive, signed by PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, has been sent to the Local Government Department as well as all commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab.
The advisory instructs authorities to establish both temporary and permanent cooling shelters in urban centers, parks, community halls, and union council offices. It also emphasizes the need to ensure availability of drinking water at markets, bus stops, and places of worship.
The PDMA has directed that public toilets and hand pumps be kept operational. All metropolitan and municipal corporations and committees have been asked to activate their heatwave response plans.
Coordination with WASA and Rescue 1122 must be ensured, the advisory adds. Local awareness campaigns should also be initiated to educate citizens about the heatwave.
To raise public awareness, the DG PDMA has recommended the use of speakers, banners, and mosque announcements. Local influencers, including teachers and religious leaders, should be engaged in this campaign.
Furthermore, each union council and municipal corporation should appoint a representative specifically for heatwave-related matters, DG Irfan Ali Kathia stated.
