Extreme heat prompts nationwide emergency protocols

<p>RAWALPINDI: The Nati­onal Disaster Manage­ment Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued sweeping emergency protocols and placed hospitals on alert as extreme, above-normal summer temperatures threaten millions across the country.</p> <p>According to a press statement, the NDMA Early Warning Team anticipated that daytime temp­er­atures from May through June would remain above normal. Given these conditions, all relevant stakeholders — including provincial and local administration, health and line departments, rescue agencies, the armed forces, and federal ministries — are advised to implement the guidelines.</p> <p>Karachi also <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1997593">recorded its hottest day of the year</a>, with temperatures soaring to over 44 degrees Celsius, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Depar­tm­ent. This extreme weather worsens the miseries of residents already facing water shortages due to ruptured pipelines and excessive loadshedding by K-Electric in the name of minimising transmission losses.</p> <p>The NDMA asked provincial and district disaster management authorities to launch public awar­eness campaigns highlighting the dangers of heatwaves and promoting preventive measures.</p> <p>Ministries, provincial departments, and educational authorities must implement steps to protect children in schools from exposure to heatwave conditions, including schedule adjustments or temporary closures if necessary.</p> <figure class='media w-full sm:w-1/2 media--right media--uneven media--stretch' data-original-src='https://www.dawn.com/news/1997436'> <div class='media__item media__item--newskitlink '> <iframe class="nk-iframe" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:250px;position:relative" src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1997436" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div> </figure> <p>Guidelines mandate the identification of high-risk areas and the establishment of heatstroke treat­ment centres equ­ipped with medical staff, basic treatment equipment, and water supplies.</p> <p>It urged the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coor­dination to issue directives to enhance hospital and departmental capacities for managing heat-related emergencies.</p> <p>Educational institutions, NGOs, and community organisations should educate students and local communities on recognising heatstroke symptoms, emergency procedures, and how to access medical support.</p> <p>Furthermore, authorities should stockpile emergency supplies, including first aid kits, oral rehydration salts, electrolyte drinks, cooling aids, and water dispensers, ensuring availability in strategic locations.</p> <p>The NDMA asked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pro­v­incial Disaster Man­agement Authority and the Gilgit-Baltistan Dis­aster Management Auth­ority to monitor vulnerable sites in northern glaciated regions, as the heatwave may trigger<a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1996916"> Glof incidents.</a></p> <p>Emergency services, forest departments, and local administrations must remain alert to the risk of forest and urban fires and undertake preventive measures where possible.</p> <p>Authorities are tasked with establishing control rooms for information and coordination during the heatwave season. Relevant staff must be trained in heat-related response and rehabilitation efforts. They must provide support to vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, ensuring they have adequate shelter and hydration.</p> <p>Agriculture and irrigation departments are directed to advise farmers to manage crop water responsibly and harvest wheat as required.</p> <p>For individual preventive measures, the authority asked people to stay well-hydrated, and to carry and drink plenty of clean water throughout the day. Citizens must avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially during peak hours from 10am to 5pm.</p> <p>The authority promotes the use of appropriate protective measures, such as lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, sunscreen, and hats. In case of symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or weakness, consult a doctor immediately.</p> <p><em>Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2026</em></p>