Karachiites struggle with intense heatwave, power load-shedding

Amid an unprecedented heatwave, Karachi residents are grappling with severe power outages, with temperatures feeling as high as 50°C and sea breezes coming to a halt.

The intense heat has made breathing difficult for many, adding to the distress caused by prolonged power load-shedding.

Despite directives from the Sindh government and the Karachi commissioner to reduce load-shedding during the heatwave, K-Electric has continued with extensive power cuts, leaving residents without electricity for 10 to 12 hours daily.

The power utility company claimed that 71% of feeders are exempt from load-shedding, but many areas still suffer.

Affected neighbourhoods include Korangi, Landhi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, North Karachi, New Karachi, Surjani Town, Liaquatabad, Keamari, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Mehmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, Korangi Crossing, Shah Latif Town, Bhains Colony, Quaidabad, PIB Colony, Baldia, Saeedabad, Ittehad Town, Pathan Colony, Banaras, and Orangi.

Also read: Karachi breaks record for hottest July night as temperatures soars to 32.5°C

Residents report escalating electricity bills, with some homes receiving bills as high as Rs30,000 to Rs50,000.

Spokesperson for K-Electric stated that scheduled load-shedding is limited to 10 hours, denying any unscheduled power cuts.

The persistent power outages have forced residents to seek medical aid due to heat-related issues.

Calls for immediate government intervention to reduce electricity prices and end unscheduled load-shedding have grown louder as the city continues to endure one of its hottest periods.