2024 Pakistan heat wave
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Areas | Sindh |
|---|---|
| Start date | 21 May 2024 |
| End date | July 2024 |
| Peak temp. | 49 °C (120 °F), recorded on 25 June 2024 |
| Losses | |
| Deaths | 568+ |
| Hospitalizations | 7,905+ |
The 2024 Pakistan heat wave was an extreme heat event occurring in June 2024 that led to the death of over 568 Pakistani citizens primarily in Southern Pakistan.[1]
The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported Severe Heatwave conditions occurring on 21–31 May 2024 through most of the country, and primarily in Sindh. Temperature highs rose to 40–42 °C (104–108 °F) in Karachi and 42–44 °C (108–111 °F) in Thatta, Badin and Sujawal districts, causing 2,547 reported instances of heat stroke and 133 livestock deaths.[2]
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) warned that heat waves would exacerbate the consequences of flood and drought, causing food insecurity for over 8.6 million people in up to 26 of Pakistan's 166 districts, and demanded that the world pay attention to the ongoing climate crisis.[3]
Starting on 20 June 2024, temperatures in Sindh began to rise due to a prolonged heat wave, with temperatures in Karachi rising above 40 °C (104 °F) throughout the weekend and reaching 47.2 °C (117.0 °F) on 25 June.[4] The heat was coupled with high humidity, causing the temperature to feel the same as 49 °C (120 °F). Extreme temperatures were made more difficult to bear due to regular power cuts that cut off air conditioning and fans in many regions. Heat wave camps were set up in order to alleviate injuries and deaths from the heatwave.[1]
