KARACHI: Authorities in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi are bracing for a heatwave expected to hit the metropolis next Sunday, with the mercury already surging to high levels in some parts of the southern Sindh province.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast “heatwave conditions” are likely to continue in Sindh, South Punjab and Balochistan till Apr. 18. It said that a shallow westerly wave is expected to affect the upper parts of the country from Wednesday afternoon until Apr. 20.
The highest temperature during the day in Sindh was recorded in Nawabshah, 47° C., as per the Met Office. The temperature in other cities of Sindh such as Larkana and Jacobabad surged to 46° C.
“Mainly hot and dry weather is expected over most parts of the country, while very hot in southern parts,” the Met Office said. “However, dust/thunderstorm-rain is expected at isolated places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region, Islamabad, northeast Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during (evening/night).”
Meteorologist Anjum Zaigham told Arab News that a heatwave situation is anticipated in Karachi from Sunday onwards. He said the temperature in the city these days is “more or less normal,” ranging between 34 to 37 degrees Celsius.
“Starting this coming Sunday, there will be an increase in the intensity of heat in Karachi, and it is expected that the temperature may reach close to 40 degrees Celsius, potentially creating a heatwave-like situation,” Zaigham said.
He noted that high humidity, particularly in the morning, contributes to a higher “feels like” temperature.
“From this coming Sunday until Wednesday or Thursday, a heatwave like situation may develop in Karachi,” he said.
Relief stalls were set up in different districts of Karachi, with the commissioner’s office spokesperson saying more roadside relief centers will be established to provide water and first aid in case of emergency.
Climate change is exacerbating heat waves in Pakistan, leading to more frequent extreme temperatures. Pakistan ranks among the top ten most vulnerable to climate change impacts and also faces increased risks of untimely downpours, floods and droughts.
These heat waves contribute to various illnesses, significant economic losses and weather-related deaths during the summer season. A deadly heat wave in Karachi in 2015 resulted in over 2,000 deaths, while devastating floods in 2022 killed approximately 1,700 people and affected over 33 million nationwide, requiring extensive rebuilding efforts.
Karachi braces for heatwave this week as mercury soars in southern Pakistan
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Karachi braces for heatwave this week as mercury soars in southern Pakistan
- Starting this Sunday, Karachi’s temperature may surge close to 40 degrees Celsius, says meteorologist
- More relief centers will be set up providing water and first aid to citizens, says commissioner’s office
Fire erupts at factory in Karachi export zone, no casualties reported
- Blaze breaks out in Landhi area as firefighters deploy snorkels and water bowsers
- Sindh chief minister seeks detailed report, calls for swift emergency response
KARACHI: A major fire broke out at a factory in Karachi’s Export Processing Zone on Friday, prompting a large-scale response by firefighters as authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said fire tenders and snorkels were deployed to the site in the Landhi Export Processing Zone, with additional water bowsers brought in to help contain the blaze.
“Another big challenge for our brave firefighters,” he said in a social media post. “Fire has erupted at a factory in Export Processing Zone and our fire tenders and snorkels are present on ground to tackle the situation.”
https://x.com/murtazawahab1/status/2019831802945478804?s=20
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Karachi commissioner, according to a statement from his office.
He issued emergency instructions to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and fire services, directing authorities to ensure swift rescue operations and safety measures.
The chief minister also instructed officials to ensure immediate assistance to affected workers and their families and ordered a joint investigation by the administration and relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire.
Fires are common in Karachi’s industrial areas, often blamed on faulty wiring, poor safety compliance and inadequate enforcement of building regulations.
The latest blaze comes weeks after a deadly fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in January killed at least 67 people, intensifying scrutiny of fire safety and emergency preparedness in the city’s commercial and industrial buildings.
