Deaths in Pakistan Heat Wave Top 400
June 23, 2015
The Pakistani government reported today that the intense heat wave gripping the nation has claimed the lives of some 450 people. Thousands of people have crowded into hospitals with heat stroke and dehydration. The hot weather began three days ago. Temperatures in the Sindh area of southern Pakistan have been as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius). The worst hit area has been Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and port. Many of the dead have been elderly, poor, or homeless.
Hot temperatures are not unusual for Pakistan, but these have been unusually high temperatures. In addition, power outages have meant that fans, air conditioners, and the water supply system of Karachi, have worked sporadically, at best. The situation has been made worse as the heat wave coincides with the month of Ramadan, which began on June 17. During this Islamic holy month, Muslims may not eat or drink from morning until night. Thus, nearly everyone is trying to use electricity to cook meals at the same time.
Weather experts hope that Pakistan will get some relief from the heat tonight. Cooling winds from the ocean, which precede the monsoon season, are expected. Monsoon rains ended the heat wave that hit India at the end of May. Temperatures exceeded 113 degrees Fahrenheit during the height of that heat wave and some 1,700 people died of heat related ailments.