In the past 36 hours, Karachi’s severe heat wave claimed the lives of at least 17 people, most of whom identified as drug addicts. The city has been grappling with intensified heat and a lack of sea breeze, leading to dangerous conditions.
Rescue teams have been tirelessly working, transporting bodies to morgues from various neighborhoods. The rescue sources reported that 17 bodies brought to the morgue within this short period, highlighting the crisis.
Most of the deceased appeared to be drug addicts, with bodies found in areas like Lyari, Clifton, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Jehanabad, Liaquatabad, Landhi, Lines Area, and Garden. Among the victims was Bilal, a father of three from Lines Area, who succumbed to heat stroke and a subsequent cardiac arrest, exacerbated by load shedding.
The Sindh Health Department identified two of the deceased as 54-year-olds Fazal Rahman and Ramesh. Out of these deaths, two occurred on Wednesday, while 49 others severely affected by the extreme heat.
Hospitals overwhelmed with heat-related cases. At Civil Hospital, 22 individuals admitted, and two deaths reported. Similarly, 22 citizens taken to Liaquatabad Government Hospital due to the heat.
The city remains on high alert as authorities and healthcare facilities continue to manage the impact of the oppressive heatwave, urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe.