At least 10 people have died in Karachi due to an intense heatwave, as temperatures soared to 44.1°C, the highest recorded in the city since 2018, officials said.
Relief organizations Edhi Foundation and Chhipa Welfare Association reported that most of the victims were found in different parts of the city, with several remaining unidentified.
Bodies found across the city
According to the charities, bodies were recovered from multiple areas, including Manghopir, Gulshan-i-Hadeed, Defense Phase-VIII, Boat Basin, Liaquatabad, Superhighway, Surjani Town, Mauripur Road, Baldia Town, and North Karachi.
The deceased were shifted to major hospitals, including:
- Abbasi Shaheed Hospital
- Civil Hospital Karachi
- Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre
Conflicting medical reports
Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed stated that no bodies had been received for autopsy at the medico-legal sections of government hospitals, raising questions about the exact cause of deaths.
Government response
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed concern over the fatalities and directed authorities to identify the victims and locate their families.
He also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and take precautions during extreme heat conditions.
Power outages and water shortage worsen crisis
Residents reported prolonged power outages, with some areas facing up to 16 hours of load shedding by K-Electric, even affecting examination centers during ongoing intermediate and O/A Level exams.
The situation has been further aggravated by water shortages, leaving residents with little relief amid extreme temperatures.
Highest temperature in eight years
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the 44.1°C reading is the highest since May 31, 2018, when temperatures reached 46°C.
Despite the high temperature, the “feels-like” temperature remained below 40°C due to relatively low humidity (17%).
Officials noted that the temperature was 7.8°C above the average May temperature of 36.3°C.
Weather outlook
The Met Office expects temperatures to gradually decline as dry winds subside, though another rise is likely after the second week of the month.
Experts said the prolonged heat spell was caused by delayed sea breeze and prevailing continental winds.
