Karachi turns into a simmering cauldron

Like every other year, this year too Karachi is slowly turning into a searing cauldron, with experts predicting a dangerous rise in temperatures from April 19th to April 23th.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the temperature scale may reach 42 to 44 degrees Celsius.

However, considering Karachi's notorious humidity, temperatures in the sweltering atmosphere could feel like 48 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Every year, both the Health Department and the Sindh government release warnings, using terms like 'emergency alert' to evade accountability.

However, no practical measures are taken to abate the annual suffering.

According to Mujtaba Baig, a climate change specialist, unlike other cities, Karachi is trapped in the vicious "tipping point" cycle, where increased electricity usage during heat waves further heats up the environment.

Under the urban heat island effect, concrete and asphalt used in buildings absorbs heat, while a lack of trees, which constitute just 5 per cent of Karachi's area, turns the city into a furnace.

"The persistent water crisis, worsened by mismanagement, leaves many areas without supply for weeks, leading to dehydration among locals.

Furthermore, the city's public transport system is almost dysfunctional, with buses and vans overcrowded with people.

These dilapidated vehicles lack proper ventilation, causing passengers, especially the elderly, women, and children, to suffer immensely during the heatwave.

Moreover, daily wage labourers face the greatest risk, as most lack access to cooling facilities or emergency care," highlighted Baig.

Expanding on the problem, Dr Aftab Hussain, a medical expert, advised people to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11am to 4pm, drink plenty of water, consume light meals and avoid sweet or caffeinated drinks.

"People should avoid consuming colourful drinks sold in markets, as bottles left in the sun can harbour various types of bacteria.

Furthermore, stale food stored in refrigerators should also be avoided since during power outages they can harbour bacteria, leading to diseases like cholera and diarrhoea," urged Dr Hussain.

Speaking to the Express Tribune on the matter, Dr Pir Ghulam Nabi Shah Jilani, Deputy Director of Health Services Karachi revealed that the health authorities have issued written instructions to all Medical Superintendents (MS) of government and private hospitals on an emergency basis. "

All facilities have been directed to ensure 24/7 availability of doctors, establishment of Heat Stroke Stabilization Centers, uninterrupted power supply and ambulance services," claimed Dr Jilani.

However, climate experts are not convinced by the government's plan of action for dealing with the heat crisis.

"The government's Heat Management Plan includes issuing emergency alerts to hospitals and setting up temporary cooling centres through private companies.

However, these are merely stopgap measures. What about long-term solutions, like planting trees, improving water supply, or fixing public transport?" questioned Baig.

"Citizens should demand better provisions

from authorities, including more greenery, a reliable water supply, and proper public transport. Without immediate action from the authorities, each summer will be deadlier than the last," cautioned Dr Hussain.

Over the past five years, Karachi has experienced heat waves that are continuously intensifying, with temperatures rising every year. In 2019, the temperature in Karachi reached 42 degrees Celsius, resulting in approximately 60 to 200 deaths.

In 2020, the temperature reached 43 degrees Celsius, killing between 30 to 150 people. In 2021, the temperature reached 44 degrees Celsius, resulting in approximately 45 to 180 deaths.

In 2022, the temperature reached 45 degrees Celsius, with around 50 official deaths reported and approximately 220 deaths reported privately.

In 2023, the temperature reached 43.5 degrees Celsius, resulting in approximately 35 official deaths and around 170 deaths reported at hospitals.

This stark discrepancy between government and private death tolls reflects the lack of seriousness exhibited by state authorities in combating the disastrous effects of climate change.