NEPRA investigates deaths in Karachi amid heatwave, load-shedding

Probe will also assess K-Electric's potential negligence in these deaths and outline future measures

KARACHI:

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has launched an investigation into the deaths caused by the ongoing severe heatwave and load-shedding in Karachi over the past week, demanding a report from the head of K-Electric within three days.

NEPRA's investigation aims to determine whether the recent increase in mortality rates is linked to the intense heat, humidity, or power outages. This inquiry follows a statement by Edhi Foundation's head, who claimed that many deaths during the heatwave were due to load-shedding, heat, and humidity.

The investigation will also assess K-Electric's potential negligence in these deaths and outline future measures based on the findings. K-Electric officials, however, have denied reports of unannounced load-shedding in the city.

In response to NEPRA's directive, officials have begun surveys in various Sindh government hospitals, requesting mortality records. Some hospital administrations have refused to provide data, stating that their hospital names were not mentioned in the initial letter.

Also read: Karachi commissioner rejects reports of large-scale deaths due to heatwave

Government hospital staff are gathering information on whether recent deaths were heat-related and, if so, seeking proof. Many doctors and hospital administrators have stated that only post-mortems can definitively determine whether heatstroke caused the deaths.

Dr Summaiya Tariq, Karachi's Police Surgeon, emphasised the necessity of post-mortems to confirm death by heatstroke. She explained that the cause of death is confirmed during post-mortem examinations, which is crucial for verifying heat-related fatalities.