Heatwave: Temperature to come down today, predicts Met dept

Karachiites restless as load-shedding continues unabated coupled with soaring temperatures

KARACHI: The heatwave persisted in Karachi for the second consecutive day on Friday, compelling residents to stay indoors. Markets and roads wore deserted looks while residents suffered from water shortage and power cuts, finding no solace from the searing temperatures which went as high as 40.5° Celsius.

K-Electric (K-E) added to the woes of residents as they were subjected to 10 to 12 hours of load-shedding in almost all localities of Karachi.

The power cuts also affected water supply and long queues were witnessed at Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB)-run hydrants as water consumption is normally higher on Fridays.

Heatwave camps were set up by the Rangers and police for commuters to stay hydrated at various places in the city. Paramedic staff were also present at the camps in addition to cold water for the convenience and protection of citizens. The camps were operational from 10am to 5pm, according to the Rangers spokesperson, who added that services and facilities provided at the camps were free of charge.



Arshad Ali, a resident of Saddar, said that the heatwave has resulted in a lack of water supply, while Arsalan Ahmed, a resident of the Liaqatabad C area, said his area faced a power outage of more than 36 hours.

"We received a text message that there would be load-shedding for one-and-a-half hours three times a day, but there has been no power supply in our area since we received the message on Tuesday afternoon," complained Ahmed.

"This has become a real problem for us. It is good that K-E informs us through text messages about additional load-shedding, but faults like these should be fixed at the earliest as an absence of power in this hot weather has made it difficult for everyone to work," he added.



Another resident of Malir Halt, Faraz Khan told The Express Tribune that they have been facing unscheduled load-shedding for three days.

"The high temperature and lack of wind has made it difficult to breathe, while the power cuts and lack of water supply has added to the problems of Karachiites," he said.

Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by K-E on Friday, an additional shortfall of 200 megawatts in the system has been caused by a fault that occurred at the Bin Qasim power plant. Due to this additional shortfall, load-shedding in the city is being temporarily increased by two to three hours, the statement read.



In Karachi, 40.5°C was recorded, according to Pakistan Meteorological Department Regional Director Shahid Abbas. He said that the south-westerly wind started blowing at around 1pm on Friday at a speed of 22 kilometres per hour. This resulted in controlling the temperature from rising further, while humidity remained at 34%.

According to Abbas, the temperature today (Saturday) will remain between 36°C and 38°C, while it will go down further and remain between 34°C and 36°C tomorrow (Sunday).