Heatwave prompts load management
K-Electric Communications Director and Spokesperson Imran Rana clarified that the current heatwave conditions across the country was driving a surge in electricity demand. He stated
"While K-Electric is undertaking all possible measures to manage the current situation, the company may have to resort to load management in some areas to bridge the gap between demand and supply, for which the inconvenience is sincerely regretted."
However, the utility is proactively communicating updates to customers via SMS, and has also uploaded the area wise load-shed schedule on the KE website for a ready reference. The spokesperson further said that KE remains available to support customers around the clock via its call center 118, SMS service 8119, KE Live App, social media platforms, and KE WhatsApp Self-Service portal.
At the same time, the power utility strongly denied reports of unannounced load shedding in the city. The Pak Met Department declared April 2022 to be the hottest month on record in 61 years.
Imran Rana declared that areas with losses under 20%, along with 400 feeders serving Karachi's industrial zones, continue to receive uninterrupted power.
Elaborating on KE's efforts to manage the situation, he shared that a 24/7 crisis monitoring cell had been established under the leadership of the company's Chief Distribution Officer.
"Comprising senior management and key members of the operations team, this cell is actively and closely monitoring the demand and supply situation and passing on instant relief to consumers."
He added that KE has also engaged with civic agencies, as well as local and provincial stakeholders, to mount a joint response to the ongoing crisis. Across different locations in the city, KE is establishing camps in support with philanthropic organizations to support commuters on the road during peak daytime hours.
Urging caution, the spokesperson advised citizens to stay hydrated and avoid stepping out of the house while the heatwave alert remains in place.
PMA Advisory
The city is no stranger to deadly heatwaves. At least 1,200 people died of heatstroke when the most severe heatwave in recent history hit the city.
To mitigate the threat and create awareness, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has warned citizens to take adequate safety measures. In a press release issued on Wednesday, PMA cited the weather advisory of the Meteorological Department which claimed Sindh will face a severe heatwave from May 11 to 16 during which maximum day temperature in Karachi can rise up to 40 degrees Celsius while temperature in Dadu, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushero Feroze, Khairpur, Shikarpur and Ghotki districts may hit 46 to 48 degrees Celsius.
The PMA, in its press release, urged people to stay indoors and not leave their homes unnecessarily from 11 am to 4 pm. "People who must leave their homes for pressing tasks should try to take a shady path and avoid staying too long under the sun," the PMA statement said.
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It added that those spending time outdoors under the sun for necessary work must cover their heads with a cap or wet handkerchief. "Those working in outdoor settings in daytime are further advised wear light shoes and desist from walking barefoot."
Advice is also given against taking part in outdoor sports during daylight. "People must wear light and soft clothes and strictly avoid cladding in black or dark colored clothes. Children and the elderly should be especially careful as they have low immunity and are at high risk to contract heat stroke."
The PMA has advised citizens to eat freshly cooked food at home comprising of a balance diet with preferred consumption of vegetables, pulses, fruits and milk. Those who work outdoors or leave their homes for pressing work in daylight must consume more water and homemade drinks.
During the hot weather, it is advised to consume 15 to 20 glasses of water or fresh juices a day. People must always use boiled water to prevent water borne diseases like cholera, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, typhoid, hepatitis A and E.
The PMA has urged the government to ensure that there is no load shedding and no interruption in water supply during the period of heatwave. On the other hand, PMA advised locals to save water and avoid its use for car washes, floor washing and gardening.
'Government and non-government organidations should set up water and first aid stalls in various public places and along roadsides during the period," the association said.
According to PMA statement, a person who contracts heat stroke presents signs of low pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, irritability and muscle aches. If a person encounters a heat stroke, he must immediately be shifted under shade and his legs must be directed upwards to ensure better circulation of blood.
It must be ensured that the affected person is able to breathe freely. Affected heatstroke patient must be given clean drinking water. However, if the patient is unconscious, water or food must not be ingested in his mouth as it may lead to more complications.
The PMA advised the application of ice or cold water on the body of the heat stroke patient. The pulse and blood pressure of the affected person must be continuously monitored and he must immediately be shifted to the hospital.
First response centres
Meanwhile, the meteorology department has established first response centres (FRCs) in various dispensaries of Lyari and Saddar on the instructions DMC South Administrator Dr Afshan Rabab Syed to protect locals from heatstroke.
She ordered immediate medical assistance for anyone affected by the forecasted heatwave over the coming days. Medicine, cold water bottles, beds, mattresses, stretchers, drip stands, towels and ORS have also been arranged.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 12th, 2022.