NDMA sounds high alert as intense heatwave set to affect parts of Pakistan till May 26

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high-level alert warning that large parts of southern and central Pakistan are likely to remain under severe heatwave conditions from May 19 to May 26, with emergency preparedness measures being activated to protect at-risk communities and limit heat-related incidents.

According to the advisory, exceptionally high temperatures are expected to persist for three to five consecutive days in several districts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.

Areas identified in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan

In Punjab, the districts named in the alert are Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Sargodha, Lodhran, Khanewal, Vehari and Lahore.

In Sindh, severe heat conditions are expected in Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Naushahro Feroze, Kashmore, Tharparkar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Matiari, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Badin, Qambar Shahdadkot and Karachi, as well as nearby areas.

The NDMA also listed exposed parts of Balochistan as vulnerable to extreme temperatures, including Turbat, Sibi, Uthal, Jhal Magsi, Dera Murad Jamali, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Usta Muhammad, Kachhi, Lasbela and Panjgur.

Health and infrastructure concerns

The authority warned that prolonged exposure to intense heat could cause heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke, particularly among children, elderly people and those working outdoors.

It said increasing humidity in lower Sindh, combined with dry inland conditions in Punjab and Balochistan, could further worsen thermal stress during the forecast period.

The NDMA also cautioned that the heatwave could push up electricity demand, place additional pressure on healthcare services and negatively affect agriculture, livestock and labour productivity.

Instructions to local administrations

District administrations have been directed to put heatwave contingency plans into operation, set up cooling camps and ensure uninterrupted water supply in vulnerable areas.

Citizens have also been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement during peak afternoon hours and to maintain hydration.

The alert comes as authorities prepare for a prolonged spell of dangerous temperatures across multiple regions, with the NDMA urging preventive action to reduce the impact on public health and essential services. The advisory specifically highlights the need for local administrations to respond in vulnerable districts where extreme heat is expected to continue for several days.

The warning covers a broad geographical spread across the country’s southern and central belt, where weather conditions are expected to remain harsh through May 26. The NDMA’s latest alert underscores concerns not only for human health but also for public utilities and economic activity in affected areas.