Heatstroke death toll climbs to 49 as four more die in city

Four people lost their lives in Karachi on Monday in the ongoing heatwave, taking the death toll to 49 since June 21, confirmed the Sindh Heath Department.

In a statement, the health department said that Abbasi Shaheed Hospital reported four deaths from heatstroke in 24 hours. During the 10 days, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital recorded 23 deaths from heatstroke, Civil Hospital 18, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) 5 and Qatar Hospital 3, read the statement.

The port city has been gripped by intense hot and humid weather for the past couple of days due to low air pressure. Amid the ongoing heatwave, Karachi’s monthly average temperature remained 4 degrees Celsius higher than average, according to a Met official. The port city registered 39.2°C on Sunday with feels-like temperature climbing to 55°C at 5pm.

In addition to this, as dry and hot weather conditions with spells of heatwaves grappled in the city, the metropolis recorded its hottest night of July since 2021 last night. According to the PMD, in July 2021 and 2022, temperatures were recorded at 31°C, while last night the lowest was recorded at 32°C.

The PMD says that last night the temperature was recorded 4.1°C above normal. The Met Office, however, predicted heavy rains in most parts of Pakistan from tomorrow. The upper and central parts of the country will see vigorous monsoon activity during the week, the meteorological department said, asking authorities to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation.

However, as Karachi endures scorching heat and experiences its highest night temperature since 2021 a day earlier, there is no forecast of rain in the city.