Heatwave strikes Karachi one day ahead of forecast

KARACHI: Heatwave struck Karachi city today with hot winds from northwest direction of 10-15kts blowing around, ahead of forecast by Met office. The warm weather disturbed social and business life. The citizens were compelled to stay indoors. They used cold drinks to beat the heat.

“Today’s maximum temperature touched 42ºC and similar conditions may prevail during coming four days, 1–4 May 2019,” said Met office. The Authorities and all stakeholders are requested to take precautionary measures and keep them abreast for update from Met Office.

Karachi Metropolitan Karachi (KMC) has put its 13 hospitals on high alert during the heatwave. All leaves of staff members have been cancelled and no leave applications will be entertained till further orders. The high alert has also been declared in the Rescue 1122 ambulance service.

As many as 112 heatwave centers in different health care facilities and 185 cold water points have been set up in different locations of the metropolis while 24 ambulances will remain standby after heatwave alert. According to sources, 18 mobile teams had also been formed for providing immediate medical aid to heat wave affectees.

A westerly wave is affecting upper parts of the country and may persist during next 2-3 days. Mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very hot in south Punjab and Sindh on Tuesday, however, dust-thunderstorm/rain with gusty winds is expected at isolated places in Malakand, Hazara, Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore divisions, Islamabad, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Yesterday’s temperatures in different cities were as: Jaccobabad 46°C; Shaheed Benazirabad, Rohri, Sakrand, Padidan, Chhor, Sukkur 45°C; Moen-jo-daro, Rahimyar Khan,  Mithi and Larkana  44°C.

Precautionary steps against extreme heat stroke: The heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, is a type of severe heat illness that results in a body temperature greater than 40.0 °C (104.0 °F) and confusion. Other symptoms include red, dry or damp skin, headache, and dizziness. Onset can be sudden or gradual. Complications may include seizures, rhabdomyolysis, or kidney failure.

Preventive measures include drinking sufficient fluids and avoiding excessive heat. Treatment is by rapid physical cooling of the body and supportive care.

Recommended methods include spraying the person with water and using a fan, putting the person in ice water, or giving cold intravenous fluids. While it is reasonable to add ice packs around a person, this by itself is not routinely recommended.

Heat stroke occurs because of high external temperatures or physical exertion. Risk factors include heat waves, high humidity, certain drugs such as diuretics, beta blockers, or alcohol, heart disease, and skin disorders.[3] Cases not associated with physical exertion typically occur in those at the extremes of age or with long term health problems.

Diagnosis is based on symptoms. It is a type of hyperthermia. It is distinct from a fever, where there is a physiological increase in the temperature set point.