Over the past 24 hours in Karachi, more than 17 fatalities were reported due to the scorching heat, with temperatures soaring above 40°C.
Rescue officials recovered the bodies of seven individuals, aged between 35 to 60 years, from various locations including Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Landhi, Super Highway, and Federal B Area Karimabad. Most of the deceased were identified as drug addicts unable to endure the extreme weather conditions. The bodies have been sent to the morgue, and efforts to identify them are ongoing.
In response to the heatwave, authorities have advised the public to take necessary precautions, including staying hydrated. Meanwhile, at Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, 67 people were admitted due to high fever, possibly exacerbated by the intense heat. Dr. Nizam Shaikh from the heat stroke ward emphasized the importance of drinking plenty of water and avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities.
In Lahore, temperatures reached 43.3°C, with similar hot and dry weather conditions predicted by the Meteorological Office for the next 24 hours across most parts of Pakistan. They also forecast isolated windstorms and thunderstorms in specific regions.
The heatwave has also severely impacted livestock in Karachi’s Cattle Colony, where hundreds of animals, including dairy cows, have perished in recent days. This crisis has affected milk production in the city. The Livestock Department has been urged to provide essential veterinary services and medicines to mitigate further losses among the livestock.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that temperatures could reach up to 47°C in Sindh, including Karachi where it could feel like 52°C. Several cities in Punjab and Sindh are expected to experience temperatures ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius, with Jacobabad and Sukkur potentially hitting 47°C. Despite the daytime heat, there is a possibility of rain in the evening or night in parts of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan according to PMD forecasts.
