PDMA Balochistan holds awareness session on heatwave preparedness

QUETTA, Jun 18 (APP): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan organized an awareness session to highlight the growing risks of heatwaves and the protective measures needed to safeguard communities. The session was chaired by Director Naveed Ahmed Sheikh and focused on the increasing intensity of extreme heat in the province due to climate change.

Officials noted that Balochistan, which covers 46 percent of Pakistan’s land area, has witnessed a steady rise in temperatures in recent years. Districts such as Sibi, Turbat, and Dalbandin have recorded extreme temperatures ranging between 45 and 51 degrees Celsius, severely impacting human health, agriculture, and water resources.

During the presentation, PDMA emphasized the importance of strengthening early warning systems, ensuring the availability of medical facilities, running public awareness campaigns, and enhancing coordination among relevant institutions. Citizens were urged to adopt precautionary measures during periods of extreme heat, avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight, and increase water intake to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The PDMA reaffirmed its commitment to working with all concerned departments to address the challenges posed by climate change and to protect the public from the dangers of heatwaves. Officials stressed that proactive measures and community cooperation are essential to minimizing risks and ensuring resilience against future climate threats.