Heatwave in Pakistan Claims Over 500 Lives in Six Days

As temperatures soared in southern Pakistan, so did the death toll as Pakistan swelters. The Edhi ambulance service, which usually transports around 30 to 40 bodies to the Karachi city morgue daily, reported an alarming surge over the last six days, with a staggering 568 bodies collected—141 on Tuesday alone. While the exact cause of death in each case is still under investigation, the timing coincides with Karachi’s temperatures surpassing 40°C (104°F) and high humidity making it feel as hot as 49°C (120°F).

Hospitals Overwhelmed when Pakistan Swelters

Hospitals in Karachi have been overwhelmed as people seek relief from the extreme heat. Dr. Imran Sarwar Sheikh, head of the emergency department at Civil Hospital Karachi, reported that 267 heatstroke patients were admitted between Sunday and Wednesday, with 12 fatalities. “Most of the patients were in their 60s or 70s, though we also saw some in their 20s and 40s,” Dr. Sheikh told the BBC. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever, with many patients having been exposed to the sun for extended periods.

Emergency Response and Power Outages

The heatwave, described by meteorologists as “partial,” began over the weekend. In response, authorities established heatwave centers and camps to provide relief. However, the scorching temperatures and frequent power outages, a common issue across Pakistan, exacerbated the crisis by cutting off fans and air conditioning.

Tragic Cases Highlight the Crisis

One tragic case was that of Wasim Ahmed, a 56-year-old security guard who collapsed at home after finishing a 12-hour shift. Despite his family’s efforts to rush him to the hospital, he was pronounced dead on arrival. Wasim had an existing heart condition but had never previously struggled with the heat.

Another victim, Muhammad Amin, in his 40s, succumbed to the heat amid power cuts in his flat. His family suspects his death was heat-related, highlighting the dire consequences of the ongoing load-shedding.

Heatwave Impact Beyond Karachi

The impact of the heatwave is not confined to Karachi. Last month, Sindh province, where Karachi is the capital, recorded an almost record-breaking temperature of 52.2°C (126°F). This unprecedented heat has also affected neighboring countries. In India, the capital Delhi has endured daily temperatures above 40°C (104°F) since May, peaking at nearly 50°C (122°F). Doctors there report never having seen such extreme conditions before.

Climate Change and Government Response

For Karachi resident Mohammad Zeshan, the cause of this crisis is clear: “This is due to climate change. This is happening all around the world. Europe has faced intense heat but has taken steps to address it. Sadly, the government has not taken effective measures.”

Experts agree that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. The current heatwave in Karachi is expected to last into next week, albeit with slightly lower temperatures. Weather experts are now focusing on the upcoming monsoon season, which is predicted to arrive early and bring as much as 60% more rain, according to Dawn.

The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and infrastructure improvements to protect vulnerable populations. As Pakistan swelters under record-breaking heat, the death toll serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of climate change and the critical importance of preparedness and resilience.