Feeling the heat

Authorities in Karachi seem to be feeling the heat from the heatwave related deaths that claimed over a thousand lives in the Sindh capital last year. Provincial and local authorities have submitted a report before the Sindh High Court division bench hearing identical petitions filed into the multiple deaths that occurred in 2015. As per court directions, the report included an action plan intended to avoid a similar situation recurring this year. The plan prepared by the commissioner of Karachi puts in place at least 171 emergency centres scattered across the city to deal with heat related emergency. The centres will contain cool water, fans and rehydration substances among other items. In addition 869 hospital beds have also been set aside for patients suffering heat sickness. K-Electric, the power supply company for Karachi, has also been warned to improve power supply during the hottest months.

These steps are important, with temperatures in Karachi already beginning to soar day by day. It is however to be seen how far the plan can be implemented in real terms. The anticipated heatwave in Karachi during May and June is likely to coincide with the month of Ramazan. This had been a factor in the deaths caused last year. To avoid the same set of circumstances, city authorities will need to show they are capable of providing adequate shelter to people, offering drinking water where necessary and also raising awareness on how to cope with high heat. This awareness must include recognition of the first symptoms of a potentially dangerous rise in body temperature or dehydration. Both of these were critical factors in the wave of deaths that took place last year and created panic through the country. Preventive action is always welcome. It is hoped the plan for Karachi can be effectively enforced and save lives this year when similar climatic conditions are expected. The results of the plan will become visible to all of us within the next few weeks as the summer season begins in earnest posing a hazard for all, but especially the elderly and the very young.