Heatstroke claims 2 lives in Karachi

Two people have died of heatstroke on Friday in Karachi amid prediction of more hot and humid weather during the next 24 hours.

According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a possible heatwave is expected to hit the port city of Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub of around 20 million people, as temperature will gradually increase from 38°C to 40°C today (Friday).

Temperatures of 40°C and higher are not uncommon in parts of inland Pakistan, but Karachi normally remains cooler thanks to its coastal location.

“Due to a high pressure cell, the winds will take turn from southwesterly to northwesterly gradually which will bring hot and dry air mass to Karachi and other coastal areas cutting the sea breeze,” the Met Office reported.

“Day temperatures will gradually increase on Friday from 38°C to 40°C on Sunday and then it will start decreasing attaining the normal level on Wednesday. Winds will start blowing from the sea restoring the sea breeze.”

Last year, more than one thousand people died in a severe three-day heatwave in the metropolis. Nearly 80,000 people were treated for the effects of heatstroke and dehydration, according to medical officials.

The city of 20 million inhabitants is a sprawling metropolis with few green areas, poorly adapted to manage intensely hot weather.

Vast areas of concrete absorb heat during the day and radiate it back at night in what climatologists call the “urban heat island” effect.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has already directed the health, local government and district administration all over Sindh to take concrete measures to avoid causalities during the forthcoming heatwave.

“It is our responsibility to take all out efforts to save people from the forthcoming heatwave which had claimed lot of lives last year,” he said while presiding over a meeting at the CM House on April 12 regarding forthcoming heatwave, its impact and precautionary measures to avoid causalities.

Provincial ministers Syed Murad Shah, Jam Khan Shoro, Ali Hassan Hingorjo, Principal Secretary to CM Alamuddin Bullo, Secretary Finance Sohail Rajput, Secretary Health Saeed Mangnijo, Commissioners, Karachi Asif Hyder Shah, Hyderabad Qazi Shahid Parvaiz, Mirpurkhas Shafiq Mahesar, Larkana Akbar Leghari, Sukkur Abbas Baloch, Administrator Karachi Laiq Ahmed, MD Water, Ramzan Chippa and representatives of Edhi attended the meeting.

The Chief Minister said that the health facilities available in the city and in other districts must be equipped with necessary gadgets and medicines. There is dire need to publicize the precautionary measures tremendously to enable the people to adopt necessary measures in case of emergency.

Commissioner Karachi Asif Hyder Shah said that heatwave affects badly between 12 noon to 4pm. He added that on the instructions of the chief minister he had held a number of meetings with K-electric authorities. They have up-gradation 58 feeders and installed 1100 new PMTs.

In the city seven emergency centers to handle the breakdown have been set up at the officers of all Deputy Commissioners and one in the commissioner House. The KWSB has upgraded its Dhabeji pumping station. The KE has assured that there would be no loadshedding on the pumping stations.

The meeting was told that the Karachi administration has identified 1000 points such as petrol pumps, bus stands, roundabouts and market places where drinking water would be made available. The mapping of health facilities have also been done to facilitate ambulances to transport affected people in a minimum time.

It was disclosed that 170 first response centers are being established with one or two doctor and necessary paramedical staff to deal with heat wave patients in the city. The location of the district-wise centers would be publicized through media. There are more than 58 health facilities, including some private which have agreed to dedicate 1800 beds in the city. The JPMC can also increase bed facilities from 300 to 500. On the Super Highway Baqai hospital has also agreed to dedicate 50-bed facilities for heat wave patients.

The meeting was told that there were 800 ambulances which can transport patients to the nearest health facility. Apart from it there are 126 other ambulances which are like mobile dispensaries.

The commissioner Karachi has already held meetings with Edhi, Chippa and other social organization which provide ambulance services. They would voluntarily provide dedicated service.

The water starved areas of the city were also discussed such as Baldia, Korangi, Nasir Hotel and such other areas where 180 awami water tanks have been installed. The chief minister ordered to isnall 100 more water tanks from where people can take water to their homes.

The chief minister directed all the commissioners to replicate the precautionary measures being taken in Karachi in their respective divisions.