The PDMA of Punjab, Provincial Disaster Management Authority, has alerted the citizens about rains and thunderstorms that are expected across different cities including Lahore today. Although cloudy skies are forecast as rain, the severe heat wave expected in Lahore and other regions of Punjab from May 21 to 27 has been the focus of their attention recently.
A range of temperature by these days have been foreseen to maintain above usual for 6 hours a day which will significantly influence daily life as well as increase the demand for electricity. Consequently, Lahore is being confronted with days without electricity. Demand for the city’s electricity is now at more than 3,500 megawatts while NPCC is able to only deliver 3,200 megawatts to the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), which results in a deficiency of 300 megawatts.
The power insufficiency is in fact the very cause of extended duration of the load shedding for Lahore. Residents experiencing power outages between two and six hours are concerned about the disorderly disruption of their usual routines as well as about the increased inconvenience and discomfort. The PDMA has suggested the citizens to follow important rules in order to survive the heat wave such as being hydrated, staying of from the sun in the afternoon and respirating in the mist filled spaces.
Authorities continue to face a tremendous challenge in managing and curtailing the impact of the load shedding on the citizens of the city. The PDMA’s notices stress the treacherous nature of the current weather conditions that call for two types of possible emergencies including rain and heat waves.
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Concurrently, through its second warning for heat waves, the PDMA highlights the need for educating the public and measures of safety. With temperatures on the rise, residents have been asked to stay indoors during the hottest time during the day and make use of fans and air conditioning to curb the heat.