Cold wave claims 13 lives in Karachi

The recent cold snap in Karachi has led to the deaths of 13 individuals over the past month and a half, as reported by Chhipa Foundation.

The bodies of these individuals, found at various locations, remain mostly unidentified, with many already buried. According to officials, most of the deceased were known to be drug addicts.

Chhipa Foundation spokesperson, Chaudhry Shahid Hussain, told private media that from December 2024 until now, a total of 43 deaths have been reported due to drug overdose in the city, including 42 men and one woman.

Among these, 13 deaths are believed to have been caused by cold exposure, as the victims lacked proper protection from the cold.

These individuals, who were addicted to drugs, had no blankets, bedding, or warm clothing to shield themselves from the winter chill.

In their search for warmth, many resorted to excessive drug use, which, combined with the harsh cold, likely contributed to their deaths. Most victims were found sleeping in public spaces, such as under bridges or on footpaths.

Chaudhry Hussain explained that the lack of warm clothing or bedding exacerbated the effects of the cold, with the added strain of drug use leading to fatal outcomes.

The bodies of these homeless individuals are often discovered in uninhabited places, and Chhipa Foundation has been burying them with its own resources.