Islamabad: All hospitals in the federal capital have been put on high alert to deal with any untoward situation following a heat wave warning by the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

To ensure that the best possible medical care is available, the Islamabad administration has sent a letter to PIMS and polyclinics hospitals, requesting them to be prepared for any medical emergency that may arise during the current hot weather .

NDMA advice

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised the public to take precautionary measures to deal with the scorching heat and strong summer winds, which can be fatal without care.

In its advisory, the NDMA said that people should consume more of plain water, avoid carbonated drinks and avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day.

“Cover your head and then go out in the hot sun. Take special care of the sick, the elderly, children and pets. To meet the lack of salt, drink lemon water and ORS. Wear light and soft clothes,” it said.

“If someone faints in the heat, people should pour cold water on his head,” the NDMA said.

It also said that extreme heat waves could lead to melting of glaciers in snow-capped regions, adding that relevant institutions are on alert to deal with the possible situation.

The NDMA said residents of areas prone to the threat of glacial outburst floods (GLOF) should be aware and alert and cooperate with the local administration in case of any emergency.

In the meantime, tourists should avoid traveling and living in areas with potential GLOF risk, the authority said, adding that timely protective measures can be helpful in preventing further damage from melting glaciers.