By Our Correspondent
KARACHI: In Karachi, at least 10 people lost their lives on Monday as a severe heatwave gripped the city, pushing temperatures to 44.1°C — the highest recorded since 2018. The scorching conditions were intensified by persistent continental winds, making outdoor survival extremely difficult.
Relief organisations, including the Edhi Foundation and Chhipa Welfare Association, reported that the victims were found in various parts of the city. Many of the deceased were unidentified and appeared to be drug users. Bodies were recovered from areas such as Manghopir, Gulshan-i-Hadeed, Defence Phase-VIII, Boat Basin, Liaquatabad, Superhighway, Surjani Town, Mauripur Road, Baldia Town and North Karachi.
Volunteers transported the bodies to major hospitals, including Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Civil Hospital Karachi and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. By late night, seven of the victims remained unidentified.
However, Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed stated that no bodies had been received for autopsy at the medico-legal sections of these hospitals, raising questions about the official confirmation of heat-related deaths.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed sorrow over the fatalities and directed authorities to identify the deceased and locate their families. He also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity and take precautionary measures amid the ongoing heatwave.
Power outages and water shortage worsen crisis
The extreme weather has been compounded by prolonged electricity outages. Residents have accused K-Electric of excessive load-shedding, with some areas experiencing outages exceeding 16 hours. These disruptions have been particularly challenging for students appearing in ongoing intermediate and O/A Level examinations.
Water scarcity has further aggravated the situation, leaving many households struggling to cope with the intense heat.
Highest temperature in eight years
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Monday’s temperature was the highest since May 31, 2018, when the mercury reached 46°C. Despite the high temperature, the “feels-like” level remained below 40°C due to relatively low humidity, recorded at 17 percent.
Meteorological experts noted that the temperature was 7.8°C above the average May level of 36.3°C. The prolonged heat spell was attributed to delayed sea breeze and ongoing westerly winds, which prevented cooling during peak hours.
Anjum Nazeer Zaigham, a focal person at the Met Office, explained that although the heatwave had been forecast, the delayed arrival of the sea breeze — which came after 5pm instead of the expected 3pm — extended the duration of extreme heat.
Relief expected soon
The Met Office has forecast a gradual decline in temperatures starting Tuesday as dry winds subside. However, officials warned that another rise in temperatures is likely after the second week of the month.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves during this period of extreme weather.
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