Latest news with #NabeelJaved
Express Tribune
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Severe heatwave to persist in Pakistan until Thursday: PMD
Listen to article A persistent and severe heatwave continues to engulf large swathes of Pakistan, with temperatures soaring to alarming levels across the country. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the ongoing heatwave is expected to persist until Thursday, June 13, with temperatures in many regions remaining significantly above seasonal norms. READ: Heatwave dampens Eid recreation The PMD reports that temperatures in upper and central Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab are ranging between 4 to 7°C above average. In response, citizens have been strongly advised to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and to stay well-hydrated to reduce the risk of heatstroke. The situation is especially critical in plain areas, where temperatures are forecast to remain extremely high through Wednesday and Thursday, accompanied by dusty winds in the afternoons. According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Bhakkar recorded the country's highest temperature at 50°C. READ: Heat, power cuts risk Eid meat storage Other cities such as Dera Ghazi Khan and Noorpur Thal registered 49°C, while Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Layyah, and Mandi Bahauddin saw highs of 48°C. Bahawalnagar, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot all experienced scorching temperatures reaching up to 47°C. Major urban centres including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Attock, and Sahiwal are also facing extreme heat, with forecasts predicting temperatures between 45°C and 47°C. In terms of humidity, Multan recorded 46°C with 56% relative humidity, Dera Ghazi Khan 46°C with 42%, Sargodha 47°C with 52%, and Lahore 46°C with 36%, indicating dangerous heat index levels. Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed and PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia have issued directives to all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to remain on high alert. Authorities have been instructed to ensure the availability of cold drinking water at public places, bus terminals, and marketplaces, and to prioritize water supply in the drought-prone Cholistan region. READ MORE: MQM-P slams KE over persistent power outages in sweltering heat Heatwave response counters have been established at all major hospitals, and arrangements have been made to ensure the availability of essential medicines. DG PDMA has urged the public to exercise extreme caution during the heatwave, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Citizens are advised to avoid strenuous physical activity or outdoor work during peak hours, wear light-colored cotton clothing, and stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. In case of emergencies, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129 for immediate assistance.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
14 perish as massive storms pummel Punjab
As hail hammers down, a man scrambles to protect his car, mirroring scenes from the last tempest that left citizens in Islamabad counting heavy losses. PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article Nature unleashed its wrath on Saturday as a sudden onslaught of storms and fierce winds tore through several cities, leaving at least 14 dead and over 92 injured in Punjab alone. The violent weather threw daily life into chaos, grounding flights, snapping power lines and prompting rain emergencies across multiple urban centres. According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, the fatalities occurred in Rawalpindi (1), Jhelum (2), Sheikhupura (1), Nankana Sahib (1), Lahore (3), Layyah (1), Jhang (1) and Sialkot (1), mostly due to the collapse of dilapidated structures and falling debris. Multiple mud houses were also damaged in storm-hit areas, the PDMA confirmed. Rescue operations were ramped up across Punjab, with Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directing all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and rescue agencies, including Rescue 1122, to remain on high alert. "Affected families will receive financial compensation under the Punjab government's policy," PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said, adding that all district emergency operation centres and the provincial control room have been activated for round-the-clock monitoring. Kathia urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather, stay clear of power poles and hanging wires and ensure children do not venture near damaged buildings. "During lightning and storm activity, stay indoors and off rooftops," he advised. In case of emergencies, citizens were urged to contact PDMA via helpline 1129. Flight disruptions The storm severely impacted flight operations at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport. Several flights were either delayed, diverted, or cancelled due to strong winds and low visibility. A Karachi-bound private airline flight was rerouted to Multan, while flights arriving from Skardu (PK-454) and Guangzhou (CZ-6037) were cancelled. Another incoming flight from Karachi (9P-84) returned to its point of origin mid-air. Flights departing for Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur experienced delays, while three domestic flights to Karachi were also held up. However, as weather conditions improved later in the day, air traffic resumed. Air traffic controllers cleared both domestic and international flights for landing and takeoff. LESCO alert In the wake of the severe storm, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) declared a red alert across its network. Field teams were dispatched to restore electricity in affected areas. "The storm caused significant stress on the grid," LESCO CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt said. Butt was present at the control room alongside GM Operations Ijaz Bhatti and senior engineers. Materials were dispatched from stores to aid repair work, and Butt vowed to remain in the control room until power was restored to the last affected consumer. Meanwhile, the Motorway Police reported intense storms and overcast skies across sections of M-4, M-5 and the National Highway. Light showers and strong winds were reported from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem and from Multan to Rahim Yar Khan. Similar conditions were seen from Lahore to Chichawatni and onward to Lodhran. Authorities urged motorists to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances between vehicles and avoid speeding. A special public awareness campaign on safe driving during storms is currently being run by the Motorway Police in Central Region. K-P Similarly, the PDMA in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa issued an alert forecasting rain and thunderstorms in most districts, including Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Kohat and Waziristan. The inclement weather is expected to continue intermittently through Sunday (today). Authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant, ensure the availability of machinery for debris clearance, and issue safety advisories in local languages. Farmers have been advised to factor in weather conditions while planning activities, and tourists have been urged to check updates before traveling. The PDMA helpline 1700 remains active for public assistance. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the storm marked a dramatic end to an extended heatwave. By late morning, dark clouds engulfed the skies and strong winds swept through the twin cities, followed by heavy rain and hailstorms. Temperatures dropped significantly, and power outages were reported in several areas. A rain emergency was declared in Rawalpindi to manage the aftermath.
Express Tribune
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Heatwave forces early summer vacations
An ongoing heatwave in Punjab has forced the provincial government to reduce school hours and announce early summer holidays from May 28. The school timings till the beginning of the holidays will be from 7:30am to 11:30am. According to a notification, the Punjab School Education Department announced on Tuesday that the educational institutions would be closed for summer holidays from May 28 instead of June 1 as announced earlier. The schools across the province will reopen after the holidays on August 15. The Punjab Higher Education Department also announced that the summer vacations in colleges and universities would begin on May 28. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Meteorological Department said the prevailing heatwave was likely to continue during the ongoing week. The maximum temperature in Lahore on Tuesday was recorded as 42 degree Celsius. The spokesman said a high pressure is likely to persist in upper atmosphere during the current week. Under the influence of this meteorological condition, day temperatures were likely to remain four to 6°C above normal in South Punjab till May 24. The day temperatures in central and upper Punjab are likely to remain up to 7°C above normal during the period. Dust storms and gusty winds are expected at isolated places in the plain areas due to excessive heat during the period. Due to the heatwave, the residents, especially children, women and senior citizens have been advised to take precautionary measures, avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the day time and remain hydrated. Farmers were advised to manage their crop activities while keeping in view the weather conditions and take care of their livestock as well. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) also issued an alert regarding temperature rise and heatwave. Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed issued instructions to the commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to remain alert. He stated that the departments concerned, including the district administrations, should be on alert in view of the heatwave. The alert has been also been issued to the departments of school education, health, transport, local government and Rescue 1122, sharing concerns regarding the temperature rise and heatwave in major cities and plains of Punjab till May 24. There is a possibility of an unusual increase in temperature in the next few days. Due to the heatwave, there are also chances of strong winds and thunderstorms in some places in the plains. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that an alert has been issued to the district administrations to ensure the supply of clean water in public places. The provision of first aid for heatstroke should be ensured in hospitals and mobile health units, he said. With additional input from APP
