Eight found dead in Karachi due to intense heat

At least eight bodies were recovered from different parts of the city on Monday as Karachi endured intense heat, recording its hottest day since 2018, confirmed Chhipa Rescue spokesperson Shahid Chaudhry.

According to Chaudhry, an unidentified man’s body was found near Saima Arabian Villas in the Manghopir area. Another body was recovered near Noor Hotel in Gulshan-i-Hadeed.

"In Defence Phase VIII, a man was found dead on Khayaban-e-Saqib. Meanwhile, a person discovered in a critical condition at Boat Basin in Clifton later died during treatment," he said.

Chaudhry further added that a man found in a distressed state beneath the Liaquatabad No. 10 bridge succumbed to his condition while under treatment. "Another individual, discovered near Jamali Bridge on the Super Highway, also died during treatment," he said.

Read More: Karachi swelters as city records its hottest day since 2018

Chaudhry confirmed another death in Surjani Town, where a man who had been found in a critical condition passed away while receiving medical care.

Separately, a body was recovered near Tayyaba Mosque on Sparco Road in Baldia Town. The deceased was identified as 55-year-old Abdul Wadud.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over the deaths caused by the intense heat and other factors in Karachi. He directed his administration to quickly identify the bodies found in various areas and locate their families.

Shah urged citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity and follow precautionary measures to stay safe. "I appeal to the public to stay indoors and take necessary precautions to protect themselves during this heatwave," he said.

Shah also instructed authorities to submit a report on the deaths in Manghopir and Gulshan Hadid, where fatalities were caused by substance abuse.

He further emphasised the importance of providing the best medical care to those being treated in hospitals. "I have instructed the health department to ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment," he said.

Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that today Karachi recorded its hottest day since 2018, as the temperature in the city surged past 44°C.

"In May 2018, Karachi recorded a maximum temperature of 46°C, while the highest temperature ever documented in the month of May dates back to 1938, when the mercury soared to 48°C," it stated.

PMD further added that the city recorded its highest temperature at the Old Airport Weather Station, where the temperature reached 44.1°C.

The PMD on Saturday issued a heatwave alert for Karachi and several districts across Sindh, warning that temperatures in the city could exceed 41°C on Monday and reach 40°C on Sunday. Hot, very hot, and dry weather, PMD said, was expected to prevail in most parts of the province.

Karachi, on Sunday, experienced heatwave-like conditions, with the maximum temperature recorded at 42°C and humidity at 52 per cent, making it feel as high as 45°C. The PMD had predicted that the unusually hot weather was expected to continue on Monday.