Death Rate Increases As Heatwave Intensifies in Pakistan

As temperatures soared in southern Pakistan, so did the body count. The Edhi ambulance service, which typically transports 30 to 40 bodies to Karachi’s city morgue daily, has collected 568 bodies over the past six days, including 141 on Tuesday alone.

While it is too early to determine the exact cause of death in every case, the surge in fatalities coincides with temperatures in Karachi exceeding 40°C (104°F), and high humidity making it feel as hot as 49°C (120°F).

Hospitals have been inundated with heatstroke patients. Civil Hospital Karachi admitted 267 people between Sunday and Wednesday, with 12 deaths reported. 

Dr. Imran Sarwar Sheikh, head of the hospital’s emergency department, noted that most patients were in their 60s or 70s, although some were as young as 20. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever.

“Many of those we saw had been working outside. We’ve told them to make sure they drink plenty of water and wear light clothes in these high temperatures,” Dr. Sheikh said.

The extreme temperatures, described as a “partial heatwave” by meteorologists, began over the weekend. 

In response, heatwave centers and camps have been established to provide relief. Photos show children playing in fountains to cool off.

“Look at me! My clothes are totally drenched in sweat,” Mohammad Imran told Reuters on Monday, struggling to stay cool.

Not everyone who needed help reached the hospital. 

Wasim Ahmed, a 56-year-old security guard, collapsed after returning home from a 12-hour shift. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he died of a suspected heart attack, exacerbated by an existing heart condition.

Karachi’s struggle to cope with the heat is worsened by frequent power cuts, which cut off fans and air conditioning. Muhammad Amin, in his 40s, became sick and died after experiencing constant power outages in his flat. His family suspects the death was heat-related.

According to Dawn newspaper, nearly 30 people have been found dead on Karachi’s streets, many suspected to be drug addicts, with no signs of injury reported. Karachi is not alone in facing extreme heat. 

Last month, Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital, recorded a near-record temperature of 52.2°C. 

Neighboring countries are also suffering; India’s capital Delhi has endured an “unprecedented” heatwave, with temperatures peaking at nearly 50°C.

Residents like Mohammad Zeshan attribute the crisis to climate change.

 “This is happening all around the world. This is happening in Europe. They have faced intense heat but have taken steps about it. But here, it is sad that the government has not taken any effective measures.”

Experts agree that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. The heatwave in Karachi is expected to last into next week, with slightly lower temperatures forecast. 

Attention is now turning to the upcoming monsoon season, which is predicted to bring up to 60% more rain than usual.

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