Karachi administration gears up after heatwave alert

Cold water stalls to be set up at markets, bus stops, heatstroke centres will provide immediate care to citizens

KARACHI:

In order to save the citizens from the expected heatwave in Karachi, stalls for drinking cold water will be set up at various busy locations including markets and bus stops, and heatstroke centers will be established in all towns. These heatstroke centres will provide immediate medical assistance facilities, chilled water for drinking, shaded areas, wet towels, and first aid kits. Heatstroke centers will be exempt from load shedding.

Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has directed all deputy commissioners to adopt measures to protect citizens from heatwave as predicted by Pakistan Meteorological Department. He issued such directives during a meeting held at the Commissioner's office to review steps being taken to face upcoming heatwave in the Metropolitan city.

Given the expected heat wave, it was decided to establish cold water stalls (Sabeels) across the city and activate Heat Stroke Centres.

Naqvi said that administration will have to adopt emergency measures to protect people from heatwave spell as per reports issued by met office. Given the 2015 heatwave tragedy, it was decided that all required measures must be adopted to face any emergency.

Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz briefed the meeting regarding expected heatwave in Karachi and informed that the weather will be very hot from May 06 to 08 and people should avoid traveling outside unnecessarily while the administration must operate Heat Stroke Centres to protect citizens from such harsh weather condition.

Meeting decided that Meteorological Department should issue a heatwave alert with preventive advisory three days before predicted date while all hospitals to take measures to provide treatment facilities to victims.

Naqvi asked K-Electric management to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Heat Stroke Centers. He hoped that all concerned departments and hospitals would adopt prior steps to face any untoward situation during the period. It was also decided that in all Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) hospitals, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and Civil Hospital special arrangements would be made along with the setting up of special wards for heatwave affectees.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2024.