Heatwave claims 17 lives in Karachi

At least 17 people have lost their lives due to extremely hot weather in the port city during the 36 hours, according to the rescue officials.

The intense heat and halt of sea breeze with high humidity level pushed the feels-like temperature to cross 50°C, which became unbearable for the people.

Rescue officials said most of the deceased shifted to the mortuaries were drug addicts and were picked from Lasbella, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Lyari, Jahanabad, Landhi, and Garden areas of the metropolis.

However, the health department claimed that only two deaths were reported due to the heat in Karachi Civil Hospital.

A day earlier, as many as 49 cases of heat stroke were brought to Karachi's public hospitals.

According to the statistics issued by the health department, the harsh weather has claimed 51 lives since June.

The port city sizzled on Wednesday as the feels-like temperature reached 56°C.

Almost 200 Ashura mourners fell unconscious due to extreme heat in the metropolis and were admitted to the Jinnah Hospital camp.

The maximum temperature is likely to hover between 36-38°C in the provincial capital today, the Met office predicted.

However, the feels-like temperature in Karachi reached 54 degrees Celsius on Thursday.