Four more die of heatwave as death toll rises to 49 in Karachi
An Edhi volunteer pours water on a biker to provide him relief from heat on Friday afternoon. The weather turned pleasant in the evening after scattered showers. Photo: PPI
The ongoing heatwave in Karachi has claimed the lives of four more individuals, raising the total death toll to 49 since June 21, according to Sindh's health department.
In the last 24 hours, hospitals across the city treated 144 people for heatstroke symptoms. Out of these, 34 patients were admitted for further care, while 136 were discharged after recovery.
The most recent fatalities occurred at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, which reported four deaths due to heatstroke.
Abbasi Shaheed Hospital has seen the highest number of heatstroke-related deaths, with a total of 23 fatalities.
Civil Hospital has reported 18 deaths, Qatar Hospital has recorded three, and Jinnah Hospital has confirmed five deaths due to the heatwave.
Also read: Karachi endures most intense heatwave since 2015
The port city has been gripped by sweltering weather for the eighth consecutive day due to a low atmospheric pressure area northeast of the city.
Chief Meteorologist Dr Sardar Sarfaraz stated that this heatwave is the most intense since the 2015 heatwave when temperatures soared to 44.8°C. This year, the maximum temperature recorded was 42°C, with humidity levels exacerbating the heat.
"High humidity levels make the heat unbearable, significantly increasing the feels-like temperature," he said, pointing out that humidity had remained above 50% this week.