Heatwave Kills at least 485 in Pakistan

Death toll mounts amid intense heatwave in Sindh province, Pakistan

Pakistan’s opposition parties have decided to observe black day across the country following deaths of at least 485  from the heatwave that has plagued Karachi area, said the state TV.

More than 3,000 affected people were brought to hospitals since Saturday, including at least 200 who were in a critical condition.

Most of  the deaths [at least 474 and a further 11 deaths were reported in southern parts of central Punjab province] occurred in Karachi [pop: ~ 25million,] where temperatures of up to 45ºC  (113ºF) have been recorded in recent days, according to reports.

The temperature difference between the city and its outskirts was as much as 7ºC on Saturday, according to a researcher.

Karachi is the second most populous city in the world after Shanghai.

Most of the victims died from heatstroke, said health officials.

The governor of Sindh province [pop: 45m; density=320/km²] has imposed a state of emergency,  cancelling leave for doctors and other medical staff at all hospitals, and increasing stocks of medical supplies, the report said.

Thousands died in a heatwave in neighboring India in May [official toll put at 2,000.]

Related Links

• Deadly Heatwave Claims About 200 Lives in Pakistan June 22, 2015