Devastating Heatwave in Karachi Claims Hundreds of Lives as Edhi Foundation Struggles to Cope
The deadly heatwave in Karachi, Pakistan, has resulted in a high death toll, with the Edhi Foundation overwhelmed by the influx of bodies. The extreme temperatures have worsened by widespread power outages, leading to a concerning situation for the residents of the city.
Karachi, Pakistan, is facing a devastating heatwave, resulting in hundreds of deaths daily. Over four days until Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the Edhi Foundation, a nonprofit organization, reported receiving 427 bodies in Karachi, mostly of homeless people and drug addicts severely affected by the extreme temperatures. The southern Sindh province, where Karachi is the capital, reached nearly 52.2 degrees Celsius last month.
The heatwave has compounded issues such as widespread power outages, further exacerbating the plight of victims. On Tuesday alone, the foundation reported 135 bodies. The Sindh provincial government documented 23 deaths in three hospitals on the same day. Hospitals are overwhelmed with heatstroke patients exhibiting symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever, primarily affecting the elderly and those working outdoors.
The city’s power grid is under strain, causing regular power cuts and limiting access to cooling devices. Emergency services are setting up heatwave relief centers, yet the death toll remains high, particularly among vulnerable groups. This situation reflects a broader trend across South Asia, with India also experiencing significant heat-related deaths and health issues due to prolonged high temperatures.
