HYDERABAD: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has asked deputy commissioners of Larkana, Sukkur and Jacobabad to take necessary mitigation measures in view of the forecast of widespread rains, dust-storm and/or strong winds in upper Sindh on Monday and Tuesday (April 17 and 18).

The forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department has said that a westerly wave may enter upper parts of the country from April 15 and spread in the western and central parts of the Sindh subsequently.

The PDMA advised the DCs, as well as chairmen of the district disaster management authorities and other relevant stakeholders, to take necessary mitigation measures, including establishment of helplines to address any eventuality as per the needs of affected people.

In its advisory, the PDMA has cautioned that rain, strong winds, dust-storm and/or thunderstorm may hit the three districts from Monday onwards.

It said that emergency services and ambulances with trained paramedics should remain available round-the-clock and such arrangements should be made in coordination with the departments concerned.

The PDMA further advised the general public to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, keep doors and windows shut and avoid sitting near windows.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2023