Karachi is facing an ongoing heatwave, expected to last for another 4 to 5 days, with daytime temperatures potentially rising by 3 to 4 degrees above average and reaching around 38 degrees Celsius. The city’s Early Warning Center from the Meteorological Department noted that sea breezes are currently inactive, leading to winds primarily coming from the northeast and northwest.
Extreme heat conditions are not limited to Karachi, as several districts in rural Sindh, including Sajawal, Thatta, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, and Tharparkar, are also experiencing high temperatures. Additionally, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated today and tomorrow in Umerkot and Tharparkar, offering a slight reprieve from the heat.
As the weather patterns shift, health officials are reporting a rise in pneumonia cases among children in Karachi. Hospitals, such as the Children’s Hospital and Civil Hospital, have noted an increase in admissions, with the Children’s Hospital treating approximately 30 cases daily and the Civil Hospital managing about 10 to 15 cases.
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Dr. Khalid Shafi, Secretary General of the Pakistan Paediatrics Association, pointed out that pneumonia cases typically spike from October to December due to cooler temperatures. With over 70,000 annual deaths from pneumonia in Pakistan, vulnerable populations, particularly children under two and adults over 65, are at the highest risk. Symptoms of pneumonia include a persistent cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
This rise in pneumonia cases underscores the need for public awareness and timely healthcare interventions as the weather continues to fluctuate.
