Water - elixir of life - devoured 185 lives!

Deaths occurred by drowning in sea, rivers, and canals, according to Edhi report

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KARACHI:

A town by the sea has its own charm - ranging from the stunning view of sea, to hypnotic sunrises and sunsets, mesmerising music of tides, and a laid-back atmosphere. It's not without risks though: coastal towns are vulnerable to disasters such as cyclones, storm surges, flooding, and erosion.

Luckily, Karachi has largely been spared by sea-induced calamities. Some would attribute it to the city's patron saint, Abdullah Shah Ghazi whose shrine is nestled on a mound a stone's throw from the sea.

That aside, the sea devours several lives every year as beachgoers and revelers venture deep into the waters disregarding official warnings and risks involved.

In the year 2024, as many as 185 beachgoers and revelers - including women and children - have died by drowning in the metropolis, according to the statistics released by the Edhi Foundation on Friday. However, these figures aren't limited to drowning in the sea; they also include drowning incidents in the city's rivers, canals, and wells as well.

The highest number of drowning deaths occurred during the summer months of June and July as 48 people drowned during this two-month period alone, reveals the Edhi Foundation report.

As per the breakdown, six drowning deaths were reported in January; nine in February; 21 in March; 19 in April; 22 in May; 24 in June; 24 in July; 17 in August; 15 in September; 13 in October; eight in November; seven in December (until Dec 20). "Victims in these incidents included people of all ages - from children to teenagers and adults," added a spokesperson for the Edhi Foundation.

Beachgoers and revelers have repeatedly been warned by the Edhi Foundation as well as police to take greater preventive measures to reduce the frequency of drowning incidents, which continue to claim the lives each year.

These statistics in the Edhi Foundation report again highlights the importance of water safety, particularly during the summer months when the risk of drowning increases manifolds.

The Edhi Foundation, along with other organisations, continues to advocate for better awareness campaigns, stronger safety regulations around bodies of water, and more accessible rescue services.