A searing heat wave that has hit Pakistan's biggest city has led to the death of at least 568 people over the last six days, a leading NGO claimed.
The Edhi ambulance service in Karachi reported transporting 568 bodies to the city’s morgue over the past six days, a sharp rise from the usual 30 to 40 per day, reports BBC.
On Tuesday alone, 141 deaths were recorded, with extreme temperatures and high humidity cited as contributing factors.
Karachi’s temperatures have soared above 40°C with the humidity making it feel as hot as 49°C. This sweltering heat has led to a surge in heat-related illnesses.
Dr Imran Sarwar Sheikh, head of the emergency department at Civil Hospital Karachi, confirmed that 267 heat stroke patients were admitted between Sunday and Wednesday.
Most patients were elderly, though some younger individuals in their 20s and 30s were also affected. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever, often aggravated by outdoor work in the intense heat.
The heatwave, which began over the weekend, has prompted authorities to set up relief centers and camps. Despite these efforts, regular power cuts have worsened the crisis, leaving many without fans or air conditioning.
The situation is the same across Pakistan and its neighboring regions. Last month, Sindh province recorded near-record temperatures of 52.2°C.
Similarly, Delhi has experienced an intolerable heatwave, with temperatures consistently above 40°C since May.
Climate change is widely acknowledged as a driving force behind these extreme weather events. Experts warn that such extreme weather will become more frequent and intense due to global climate shifts.
As Karachi braces for continued high temperatures, weather experts are now focusing on the incoming monsoon season, expected to bring significantly more rainfall.
