KARACHI: At least 12 people have died in the past 24 hours in Hyderabad, Sindh’s second-largest city, as a heatwave continues to scorch parts of the province.
According to data from Hyderabad Civil Hospital, 50 patients affected by the heatwave were admitted in the past day, with 12 fatalities reported, including two women and one prisoner, hospital authorities confirmed.
Meanwhile, Karachi, the provincial capital, continues the heat wave-like situation that left hundreds of people dead.
Earlier today, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed deep concern over heatstroke-related deaths in Karachi, citing reports from the Edhi Foundation indicating nearly 568 deaths over the past five days due to heat-related illnesses.
The Chhipa Foundation also reported a significant increase in deaths, with 100 bodies brought to the morgue in Karachi over the last three days alone. Specifically, 37 bodies were received on June 23, 44 bodies on June 24, and 19 bodies on June 25, with 36 of them remaining unidentified.
Pakistan is experiencing accelerated warming compared to the global average, with projections suggesting a potential temperature increase of 2.3 to 8.8 degrees Fahrenheit by the 2090s compared to the baseline of 1986–2005, as highlighted by a World Bank climate change panel.
The country, highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, also faces heightened risks of intense monsoon rains. The National Disaster Management Authority has forecasted the onset of this year’s monsoon in July, which could lead to flash floods.
