Heatwave in Karachi

It is quite unfortunate that Karachi doesn’t have enough facilities to prevent heatstroke. This year, the heatwaves increased the temperature to 44 degrees Celsius. This situation, coupled with unbearable power breakdowns and the lack of water supply, has reportedly resulted in the death of many people. Since people are observing Ramazan as well, fasting in such extreme weather has become difficult for the majority. Although it is aware of the havoc that the heatwave is capable of wreaking – at least 1,000 people died of heatstroke in 2015 – the Sindh government didn’t take any action to tackle it.

The provincial government should start a campaign to plant trees to create a natural environment to reduce the effect of heat. Heatstroke units with facilities of basic life support should be made available at every hospital to offer emergency treatments. Cold water dispensers should be kept in public places. Although no authority can directly influence climate, it can at least take some efforts to minimise the losses as much as possible.

Misal Jabeen ( Karachi )