Changing weather patterns of Karachi have sent heatwave alarm for May and June
The Meteorological Department stressed on raising awareness among the people on heatwave before any heat wave strike Karachi.
According to the Met Department, the changing weather patterns in Karachi gives indication of heatwave may hit in the ongoing and next month.
Pakistan Meteorological Department Director (PMD) General Ghulam Rasool said during a Workshop briefing, “Karachi has witnessed heatwave-like conditions in April, and more of them are expected in May and June”.
Dr Ghulam Rasool assured that people would not suffer if they were made aware of how they could stay safe in extremely hot and dry or humid conditions.
In 2015, Karachi witnessed the severe heatwave that caused the death of almost 1,000 people. The unbearable heat and the intermittent load shedding will now take a toll on the lives of residents.
The PMD chief said the Japanese government had agreed to replace weather radars of Islamabad and Karachi, adding that tenders for both the radars had been issued and that new and sophisticated radars would be acquired soon.
“Karachi’s radar would help us predict and keep an eye on tropical cyclones, heatwaves and sea conditions, and its acquisition would increase the PMD’s capacity and capability to forecast weather conditions more accurately.”
The experts on healthcare advised the people to avoid leaving their houses around midday and in the afternoon. They also urged the people to increase water intake during the day.
The awareness workshops and all other precautionary measures must be taken to survive extreme weather conditions.
It is the responsibility of the provincial government to take measures to deal with the situation effectively. It should install drinking fountains at various spots across the city for thirsty citizens.
According to the changing weather, government must provide a long-term solution like plantation of maximum trees in the region.
The residents should also come forward and help each other by any way. We can offer water and fresh juices to pedestrians and hardworking labourers.