Pakistan is in the grip of a devastating extreme heatwave, prompting the government to declare a national health emergency and shutter schools across multiple provinces in a bid to protect its citizens.
The crisis is most acute in the southern provinces of Sindh and Punjab, where thermometers have soared to a blistering 52°C (125.6°F). The unprecedented temperatures have pushed the nation's power grid to the brink, causing widespread electricity outages that have left millions without fans and air conditioning, exacerbating the dangerous conditions.
Government Scrambles to Respond
In response to the escalating crisis, the government has taken drastic action. All public and private schools in Punjab have been ordered closed until further notice. A government official cited the move as a necessary step to safeguard children from the "serious threat of heatstroke."
The sweltering heat has not only created a public health nightmare but has also crippled daily life. The surging demand for electricity to power cooling systems has far outstripped supply, leading to extended blackouts. In some areas, power cuts have lasted up to 15 hours a day, leaving residents desperate for relief.
A Nation on Edge
The situation has sparked significant public anger and protests. In the city of Lahore, frustrated residents took to the streets to protest the crippling power shortages, blocking a major road to voice their desperation.
Local meteorologists have reported that this current spell is one of the most severe in the country's recent history. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings that the suffocating heat is expected to persist for at least another week, with little respite during the night.
This extreme weather event underscores the growing and severe impact of climate change on South Asia, a region identified as a climate vulnerability hotspot. The current emergency serves as a stark warning of the increasing frequency and intensity of such life-threatening heatwaves.
