KARACHI: The Karachi Cattle Farms Association has reported a severe impact on livestock due to rising temperatures in the coastal city. Over the past three days, 150 animals have died, according to spokesperson Shabir Dar, as temperatures continue to soar, Samaa News reports.
The intense heatwave is causing significant financial losses for cattle farmers, exacerbated by the lack of timely treatment for their animals. Dar highlighted the critical need for support from the livestock department, including the provision of veterinary care and medicines, despite the current absence of veterinary doctors.
The situation has raised concerns among Karachi’s residents, especially after temperatures reached 41 degrees Celsius yesterday. In the past four days, more than 70 individuals suffering from heat-related illnesses have sought medical help at Civil and Jinnah Hospitals.
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Dr Nizam, Assistant Medical Superintendent at Civil Hospital, reported that 67 patients were admitted to the emergency room due to heatstroke, with the majority being elderly or individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz has warned of a partial heatwave in Karachi over the next two days, attributing the extreme heat to changing wind patterns. However, he expects temperatures to decrease after this period, with monsoon rains likely to commence in the first week of July.
Earlier, at least 14 bodies were discovered in various parts of Karachi within a 24-hour period, according to local rescue and police officials. The causes of these deaths remain unknown as investigations continue.
Azeem Khan, an official from the Edhi Foundation, suggested that the extreme heatwave could be a significant factor. He noted that most of the deceased were drug addicts whose weakened respiratory systems might have succumbed to the high temperatures.
“The number of fatalities has been rising in Karachi since the onset of this intense summer heat,” Khan said, adding that they have been receiving between two to four bodies of drug addicts from different areas of the city on a daily basis.
