In a country where we so rarely learn lessons from the past, it is always encouraging to see measures aimed at warding off disaster put into place. As we should know by now, after our multiple encounters with floods, rains, earthquakes or other natural calamities, it is always better to try and ward off disaster, rather than deal with the unpleasant aftermath after one has occurred. In this context, the meeting called in Karachi on Monday by the commissioner of the city, to attempt to avoid a situation similar to the one we saw in 2015, is an important step in the right direction. Nearly a year ago, we had seen some 1,500 people literally fall dead on streets around the city as a heatwave struck in the month of June, coinciding with Ramazan. This year another heatwave has been forecast beginning in May, when temperatures are expected to soar to over 40 degrees. Experts say global climate change is contributing to this phenomenon.
But while climate change may require longer-term thinking to find ways to combat it, simpler measures could help avert the kind of fatalities seen last year. The steps agreed to at the meeting include the setting up of emergency centres across the city, equipped with fans, drinking water and rehydration supplies. K-Electric has also given an assurance that it will try to avoid the prolonged hours of loadshedding which many believe added to the high death toll seen in 2015, as well as to the general misery of people. If indeed the emergency centres can be set up, they would help ease the danger of death that hangs over people. We will need to see if words can be converted into actions and if the concern expressed goes beyond the cosmetic. In addition, there is also a need to educate people so that they can watch out for situations in which heat or dehydration poses a threat to health and take the measures necessary to avoid any dangerous impact caused by both climatic conditions and man-made factors such as limited water supplies.