Karachi, 27 June 2024 – A devastating heat wave has swept across South Pakistan, claiming the lives of 568 people over the past six days. The National Ambulance Service reports that around 30 to 40 people succumb to heatstroke daily, with a staggering 141 deaths recorded on Tuesday alone. This alarming information was reported by the BBC.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has reported that while the official temperature in Karachi is 40 degrees Celsius, the city is experiencing a perceived temperature of 49 degrees Celsius due to high humidity. Dr. Imran Sarwar Sheikh, head of the emergency department at Karachi Civil Hospital, noted that 267 patients were admitted for heatstroke between Sunday and Wednesday, with 12 fatalities. The majority of those hospitalized are aged between 60 and 70, though younger individuals aged 20 to 45 are also affected.

Patients are presenting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Dr. Sheikh advises those suffering from heat-related illnesses to stay hydrated and wear light clothing to cope with the extreme temperatures.

Experts attribute this severe heat wave to the broader impacts of climate change, which is causing similar extreme weather events globally, including in Europe. The intense heat in Karachi is expected to persist through the next week.

The heat wave is not confined to Pakistan. Neighboring countries, including India, are also experiencing extreme temperatures. Delhi, the capital of India, has faced an "unprecedented" heat wave with daily temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius since May.

Authorities and healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of staying indoors during peak heat, maintaining adequate hydration, and wearing appropriate clothing to mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses.

This severe heat wave highlights the urgent need for addressing climate change and implementing measures to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather conditions.