Heatstroke-related deaths rise to 26 in Karachi after 9 new casualties in 24 hours

KARACHI: The number of heatstroke-related deaths has increased to 26 in Karachi after nine more casualties were reported in the 24 hours as hellish heat continues to scorch the port city for more than a week.

The deceased have been admitted to different hospitals due to heatstroke. According to the data obtained by Geo News, three heatstroke patients died in the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), commonly known as Jinnah Hospital.

Moreover, the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital reported five deaths while one fatality was reported by the Civil Hospital.

After recent heatstroke-related deaths, the toll jumped to 26. The deceased patients include six male and three female citizens.

Despite scattered rains in parts of the metropolis, the weather remained hot and humid in the city amid predictions of more rains.

According to the Met Office on Friday, the weather in Karachi will be hot and humid during the next 24 hours, while rain with thunder is expected in a few places and the city's suburbs.

The Met Office said that thunderstorms in the city may form after 1pm, while there is more chance of rain today than yesterday. "Due to low air pressure, there will be no sea breeze today."

The number of heatstroke patients has witnessed a steep rise in a few days as Karachi remained under the grip of extremely hot and humid weather with the mercury touching 42°C while "feels-like" exceeding 50°C a day earlier in the port city.

Three days ago, at least 150 heatstroke patients were brought to Karachi’s Civil Hospital, including 40 citizens affected by intense heat remained admitted to the medical facility since Tuesday morning.

Many patients got dehydrated due to sizzling temperatures and were discharged after providing necessary medical assistance, Additional Medical Superintendent Civil Hospital told the media.

Citing severely hot weather conditions, authorities advised the citizens of the port city to drink excessive water and avoid unnecessarily going outside.