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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Karachi hit by sweltering heatwave

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KARACHI: Residents of Pakistan’s largest city Karachi were urged to seek shelter on Monday as the temperature hit 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 Fahrenheit), sparking fears of widespread heatstroke during the fasting month of Ramadhan.


The Pakistan Meteorological Department warned the sweltering heat would continue throughout the week, forecasting daytime temperatures of between 40-43 degrees.


“Considering the ongoing observance of Ramadhan and people fasting, authorities have to ensure adequate supply of power and water,” the department said in a statement.


Karachi mayor Waseem Akhtar urged residents to stay indoors during the day to avoid heatstroke.


Still thousands remained outdoors where they huddled around public taps, wetting towels to cover their heads.


The city of more than 15 million is hit by frequent power cuts and has few green spaces.


People living on its streets have little access to shelter or safe drinking water, making them acutely at risk in blistering temperatures.


In June 2015, about 1,200 people died in southern Pakistan during a heatwave, with nearly two-thirds of the victims homeless people. — AFP


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