Over 65 people were died due to the heatwave in Karachi in the last week as country is in grip of hot and warm weather. It was reported that a majority of those suspected of being heatstroke victims were fasting. The ages of the deceased range from 16 years to 78 years and they include both men and women.
Reports of heat stroke deaths in Karachi will stir unease amid fears of a repeat of a heatwave of 2015. In June 2015 about 1,200 people died during a heatwave, with nearly two-thirds of the victims homeless people. At that time administration seemed to be caught unaware to deal with the situation and people in huge numbers died. But now authorities should have taken safety measures in advance to cope with any predicted heatwave issue.
Most part of Pakistan reeled under intense heat wave condition with maximum temperature recorded 50 degree Celsius Turbat area of Balochistan. Many parts of Sind province including Nawabsah, Dadu and Gotki also witnessed fifty degree Celsius. According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, the hot and dry weather is likely to prevail for next couple of days, with no chance of rain in Sindh and Balochistan.
Scorching heat and electricity breakdowns made it difficult for the people to deal with the situation as temperatures hovered in the mid-40s. People are fasting in the month of Ramazan and on the other side they have to face unscheduled loadshedding. Rise in temperature and frequency of heat waves in the country demands comprehensive steps at all level to deal with issue. Government should launch an awareness campaign for the people regarding safety measures during the heatwave. Administration should set up first response centers and other relief facilities for masses during extreme hot weather. These points should provide immediate help and medical assistance to the victims. A public information campaign should be launched to advice citizens on what to do in case of heatstroke, where to call for help and how to locate the nearest response center. Authorities must also provide electricity to the people as reportedly many deaths were caused due to electricity break down as people were unable to utilize electronic appliances to beat the heat. People should also avoid going outside during the peak heat hours.
Authorities must set up first response centers and relief facilities for masses during extreme hot weather.
