WhatsApp ‘Red Alert’ message cautioning Karachiites of fake heat-wave creates panic

Karachi's MET office states weather will remain between 36 degrees and 38 degrees, no need to panic

KARACHI: A WhatsApp message circulating warns Karachi citizens that temperatures are expected to rise up to 48 degrees in the next three days. This news has been debunked by Karachi's MET office which states that the weather will remain between 36 degrees and 38 degrees.

The message circulating on the messaging app says, “Karachi Municipal Corporation, has issued ‘Red Alert’ for three days. Which means temperature will be between 45.1 degrees Celsius to 48.5 degrees Celsius. Please drink 6-7 liters of water a day. Avoid going out in open sun from 11 am to 4 pm. Circulate this message in family and friends.”



However, according to Regional Director, Met office Karachi, Abdul Rashid no such warning has been given from their end.

"The next three days, the temperature will remain between 36 degrees Celsius to 38 degrees Celsius. People are taking precaution because of the heat-wave that struck in 2015, but there is no such indication as of now. Let the summers begin but no panic must spread amongst the masses for now.”

In the same onset, Director Media of KMC, Ali Hassan Sajjid, Director said no such news was circulated.

"We are scheduled to have a meeting with all stakeholders on Monday, and then only will we issue a cautionary note. But nothing for now."