Balochistan approves emergency contingency plan amid fears temperatures could reach 53°C
QUETTA (Kuwait News Desk) — The Government of Balochistan has approved a comprehensive contingency plan for the 2026 monsoon season and possible extreme weather emergencies amid growing concerns over climate change impacts in the province.
The decision was taken during an important meeting of the Provincial Disaster Management Commission chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Monday.
During the meeting, officials reviewed preparations for possible natural disasters, monsoon rains, flooding, heatwaves, and other unusual weather events expected this year.
Authorities and climate experts informed the meeting that due to global climate change, temperatures in Balochistan could rise as high as 53 degrees Celsius this year. They also warned of unusual weather phenomena, including sudden “heat bursts” following cloudbursts, posing serious threats to human life and infrastructure.
The provincial government directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and complete precautionary measures in advance to ensure timely and effective emergency response.
The government also approved emergency funds worth Rs7.5 billion for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations. Under the plan, divisional and district-level offices of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) will remain fully operational.
Officials were instructed to ensure the availability of rescue machinery, tents, medicines, food supplies, and other emergency equipment across the province.
The meeting further decided to activate 1122 rescue centers in all districts, while rescue facilities will also be established at the tehsil level in the next phase to improve emergency response capacity.
In view of the severe heatwave threat, hospitals across the province have been directed to enforce heatstroke emergency measures, while medical staff and ambulance services have been placed on high alert.
The government also announced the launch of a public awareness campaign through educational institutions, mosques, media outlets, and social media platforms to educate citizens on heatwave safety precautions.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather risks, adding that the government is utilizing all available resources to protect lives and property.
He directed authorities to ensure drainage systems, rescue equipment, relief supplies, and emergency response points remain operational in sensitive districts to guarantee rapid action during any crisis.
The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, senior bureaucrats, PDMA officials, and other government representatives involved in disaster management and emergency planning.
