More than 17 people were killed in Karachi over the last 24 hours, according to rescue officials as people sweltered in temperatures of over 40°C in the city.

The bodies of seven more individuals, aged between 35 to 60 years, were recovered from different areas of Karachi.

The rescue officials stated that most of the deceased were drug addicts who were unable to withstand the intense heat. The bodies were found in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Landhi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Super Highway, and Federal B Area Karimabad.

All the bodies have been sent to the morgue, and the process of identifying the deceased is ongoing.

Authorities have urged the public to take necessary precautions and stay hydrated during this time of extreme weather conditions.

67 admitted to Civil Hospital

At least 67 people were admitted the Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi due to high fever on Monday.

While according to sources, fever has been confirmed among the reported persons, according to the in-charge heat stroke ward Dr Nizam Shaikh, all the people had 101-degree fever. Eighteen people came with high fever, heatstroke was not confirmed.

According to Dr Nizam, high fever and other diseases are emerging due to extreme heat. He advised that people should drink more water in this season and do not go out unnecessarily.

Moreover, the heatwave has returned to Lahore as the mercury reached 43.3°C on Monday while the Met Office predicted similar weather conditions for the next 24 hours.

Met officials said the continental air prevailed over most parts of the country while a shallow westerly wave was likely to affect the upper parts of the country. They predicted mainly hot and dry weather in most parts of the country. Windstorms and thunderstorms was likely at isolated places in Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar region and northeast Balochistan.

Livestock affected

The ongoing heatwave in the region has taken a heavy toll on the livestock population in Karachi. Hundreds of animals, including dairy cows, have died in the Cattle Colony over the past few days due to the extreme temperatures.

According to reports, more than 150 animals have died in the last three days. The Cattle Farmers Association spokesperson, Shabeer Dar, stated that the milk production in the city has also been impacted as a result of this crisis.

Dar urged the Livestock Department to ensure the availability of necessary veterinary services and medicines to address the needs of the distressed animals. He emphasised the importance of the department taking immediate steps to safeguard the well-being of the livestock, which is a crucial component of the city’s dairy supply.

PMD warning

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted that the intense heatwave will continue in most parts of the country, with temperatures in Sindh expected to reach a scorching 47 degrees Celsius.

In Karachi, the temperature can reach up to 41 degrees and could feel like 52 degrees.

According to the PMD, several cities in Punjab and Sindh will experience temperatures ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius. Jacobabad and Sukkur are forecast to reach 47 degrees Celsius.

The PMD has also predicted that Lahore will experience 45 degrees Celsius, Peshawar 42 degrees, Islamabad 40 degrees, and Quetta 38 degrees Celsius.

Despite the intense heat during the day, there is a possibility of rain in the evening or night in various parts of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The PMD has also predicted rain in Khuzdar, Lasbela, Barkhan, Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Musa Khel, Loralai, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, and Dera Bugti.

The PMD has recorded a maximum temperature of 37 degrees Celsius in Quetta, 34 degrees in Kalat, 28 degrees in Ziarat, 40 degrees in Chaman, 37 degrees in Zhob, 47 degrees in Sibi, 48 degrees in Turbat, 44 degrees in Nokundi, 35 degrees in Jiwani, and 36 degrees Celsius in Gwadar.