Pakistan Heatwave Toll Crosses 1200

25 June, Islamabad

Over 1,200 people have died in Sindh province of Pakistan due to a heatwave described as the worst in decades. Major hospitals in Sindh capital Karachi struggled to cope with the unprecedented influx of patients seeking treatment for heatstroke-related illness.

he death toll in Karachi has reached 1,000, with more than 200 people reported dead in other parts of the province.

Anwar Kazmi of Edhi Foundation told news agency PTI that death toll in Karachi has reached 1,000. Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah said that more than 200 have died in the interior areas of the province.

A state of emergency is in force in all hospitals, which are struggling to cope with a sudden influx of patients affected by heatstroke, exhaustion and low blood pressure.

The provincial government has cancelled leave for doctors and other staffs and is increasing stocks of medical supplies. Temperatures of 44-45 degrees Celsius have been recorded in Karachi since last Friday.

The Pakistan Army and paramilitary Rangers have also setup special centres for treatment of heatstroke victims and is supplying medicines to government-run hospitals.