Karachi hospitals put on high alert following heatwave forecast

All the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) hospitals and 1122 rescue services are put on high alert following the Pakistan Meteorological Department's (PMD) forecast of a heatwave in the port city for the next six to eight days.

The PMD has predicted that during these next few days the temperature is expected to soar as high as 42 degrees centigrade. A high-pressure area is expected to be formed in Central Asia which would induce wind to flow from North to Northwest in areas of Sindh, including Karachi, the department said.

Following the forecast, Administrator Iftikhar Ali Shallwani has directed all departments of the KMC’s medical and health services to remain on alert to cope with any untoward situation. He has also directed all concerned officials and staffers to remain on duty round the clock, local media reported.

The Sindh health and medical services department has urged people to adopt precautionary measures, drink water and avoid going out if not necessary. The advisory also asked the citizens to approach their nearest heat stroke center in case of any emergency.