Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman issued a public safety advisory on Thursday, warning of a severe heatwave that is imminent in Pakistan. Temperatures all over the country are expected to rise six to eight degrees above average this year.
In a statement warning all provinces, the minister added that extreme heatwaves are a sign of global warming, and criticised the previous government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for not taking appropriate precautionary measures, despite warnings by most major climate watchdogs.
She said, “Pakistan has been facing an unexpected heatwave since March. Temperatures in the border areas of Pakistan and India are expected to rise to 49 to 50 degrees Celsius.”
According to the minister, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had reported that March 2022 was the hottest month since 1961.
She said that the rainfall recorded in March alone was 62% less than normal, and recalled how in 2018 Nawabshah became the hottest city in the world, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius.
Rehman stated that it was important to take precautions and make preparations as the extreme heatwave could prove dangerous for human health and agriculture.
PMD has instructed the farmers to take adequate measures regarding crop irrigation, and authorities have been told to be vigilant regarding protection of people from the heatwave.
The minister said on Twitter that one short term solution to the heatwave was to provide ‘cool centers’ fully equipped with water and fans, and to have tree shade accessible to the public, adding that “It is imperative for all stakeholders to help citizens take precautionary actions in time.”
The heat island effect can be counteracted in the short run by cool centre facilities equipped with water & fans and tree shade easily accessible for the public. It is imperative for all stakeholders to help citizens take precautionary actions in time
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) April 28, 2022
