LAHORE: Punjab schools have been advised to alter work hours or declare vacations earlier if excessive heat persists.
The Punjab (PDMA) disaster authority has issued urgent directives to educational institutions and district administrations throughout the province in view of the threat of the heat wave, warning of a possible temperature increase of 4 to 7 degrees Celsius.
Institutions that take immediate measures to protect students and extreme heat personnel have been advised. The advice includes schools must alter work hours or declare vacations in early summer if excessive heat persists, all sports and outdoor activities must be suspended immediately, schools must guarantee the uninterrupted availability of clean and cold drinking water and maintain functional ventilation, fans and cooling systems and students must wear loose and light clothes, while schools must establish first aid. with personnel trained with emergencies related to heat in emerging emergencies.
The general director of PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, sent a letter in this regard to the departments of School Education and Higher Education.
Previously, PDMA and the Department of the Environment held a joint meeting chaired by the Secretary of Environment Raja Jahangir Anwar and the PDMA DG. Officials of the Departments of Agriculture, Health, Irrigation and Education participated through a video link, together with commissioners and commissioners attached to the Bahawalpur division.
DG Kathia warned that the Punjab plains would face increasing temperatures from this month, increasing the probability of heat and dehydration blows. “Extreme heat can be potentially deadly; preventive measures must be enforced without delay,” he emphasized.
The district administrations received instructions to coordinate with PDMA and guarantee real -time updates through the disaster management authorities. Citizens have been advised to remain hydrated and avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun.
Posted in Dawn, April 10, 2025
