Administration on high alert as DC reviews heatwave preparedness

BAHAWALPUR, Jul 09 (APP):In compliance with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the district’s preparedness for the anticipated heatwave and finalize preventive measures to safeguard public health.
The meeting reviewed forecasts issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) predicting an intense heatwave across South Punjab. Participants assessed the preparedness of all relevant departments and discussed coordinated response measures to minimize the impact of extreme temperatures.
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and ensure that contingency plans are fully in place to deal with any emergency situation. He emphasized that protecting human lives is the district administration’s foremost priority and instructed officials to ensure that all possible facilities are made available to the public during the heatwave. He ordered the uninterrupted supply of clean and chilled drinking water throughout the district and directed that all heatwave relief camps established across the tehsils remain fully operational to provide continuous access to safe drinking water. He further instructed officials to ensure the immediate provision of water wherever needed, stressing that water shortages in any area would not be tolerated.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed the relevant departments to maintain a 24-hour control room to continuously monitor the evolving heatwave situation. He instructed all government hospitals and basic health units to remain fully equipped with medicines, medical equipment, and trained staff for the treatment of heatstroke patients. Rescue 1122 was directed to remain fully prepared to respond to any emergency arising from the extreme weather conditions, while Assistant Commissioners of all tehsils were instructed to closely supervise heatwave management arrangements within their respective jurisdictions.
Appealing to the public, Syed Hassan Raza urged citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. He advised people to drink plenty of water and other fluids, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and take special care of children, senior citizens, women, and individuals with underlying health conditions. He further advised that anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, excessive fatigue, or heatstroke should immediately seek medical assistance from the nearest hospital or contact Rescue 1122.
The meeting was informed that the district administration has arranged the provision of chilled drinking water at key public locations, including bus terminals, hospitals, and other busy public places. Officials also noted that the public awareness campaign on heatwave safety is being intensified to encourage citizens to adopt precautionary measures and protect themselves and their families from the adverse effects of extreme heat. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr. Ayesha Khan, Assistant Commissioner Bahawalpur City Iqra Mubeen, Rescue 1122 In-charge Baqir Hussain, Chief Executive Officer Health Dr. Zeeshan Rauf, System Network Administrator Azeem Zeeshan, and other concerned officials. Assistant Commissioners from the remaining tehsils participated in the meeting via video link.