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Extreme Heat Claims Over 500 Lives In Pakistan's Karachi

Over 500 people have died in Karachi, Pakistan, due to extreme heat. Temperatures exceeded 40 °C, with humidity making it feel like 49 °C. Hospitals have been overwhelmed with heatstroke cases.

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Aqsa Younas Rana
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Karachi, Pakistan faces a severe heatwave with temperatures reaching over 40 °C.

As temperatures soared in southern Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, the death toll mounted dramatically. Edhi Ambulance Service, which typically transports between 30 and 40 individuals daily to Karachi’s city mortuary, has reported a sharp increase in recent days. Over the last six days, they have collected 568 bodies, with 141 on Tuesday alone.

While it is too early to pinpoint the exact cause of death for each individual, the timing coincides with a significant heatwave. Temperatures in Karachi have surpassed 40 °C (104 °F), with humidity making it feel as high as 49 °C (120 °F).

Why This Matters: Civil Hospital Karachi has been inundated with heatstroke patients. Dr. Imran Sarwar Sheikh, head of the emergency department, stated that from Sunday to Wednesday, the hospital admitted 267 people with heatstroke symptoms. Unfortunately, twelve of those patients succumbed to their conditions. 

“Most of the people we saw were in their 60s or 70s, though there were some around 45 and even a couple in their 20s,” Dr. Sheikh shared. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever. Many patients had been working outside in the extreme heat.

The high temperatures, described as a “partial heatwave” by meteorologists, began over the weekend. In response, heatwave centers and camps have been established to provide relief. Images of children playing in fountains to cool off highlight the community’s efforts to beat the heat. Mohammad Imran, struggling to stay cool on Monday, told Reuters, “Look at me! My clothes are totally drenched in sweat.”

Despite these efforts, not everyone requiring help reached the hospital in time. The extreme conditions have prompted urgent public health warnings, emphasizing the importance of hydration and staying indoors during peak heat.

Key Takeaways:

  • Edhi Ambulance Service collects 568 bodies in six days amid heatwave.
  • Karachi temperatures soar above 40 °C, feeling like 49 °C with humidity.
  • Civil Hospital Karachi admits 267 heatstroke patients; 12 fatalities reported.
  • Heatwave centers established, public advised to stay hydrated and indoors.
  • Elderly and outdoor workers most affected by the extreme heat conditions.

Pakistan Heatwave