As Karachi and much of Sindh face a severe heatwave, urgent steps are needed to protect public health, especially when it comes to those working outdoors or without access to cooling. The authorities must set up cooling and relief centres, ensure access to drinking water, regulate outdoor work and mandate water provision and flexible working hours for labourers and launch public awareness campaigns about heatwave safety tips. Heatwaves can be deadly, but they are also preventable disasters. With collective action, timely awareness and civic responsibility, we can reduce their toll on human life.
Dr Mohammad Saleem
Karachi