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Over 400 killed in Karachi heatwave

Published June 24th, 2015 - 08:30 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

More than 400 people have died in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi due to a devastating heatwave that has continued over three days.

Temperatures reached a high of 44 degrees Celsius, about seven degrees higher than typical summer temperatures in the port city, home to 20 million people.

Pakistan's paramilitary Rangers force has set up medical camps at several points in Karachi where they are providing water and anti-dehydration salts.

Meteorological authorities say rain is due.

We are anticipating a sea breeze will set in some time tonight. The temperature will come down as the monsoon rain enters the Sindh coast, bringing rain to the city," said Ghulam Rasool, Director General of the meteorological department.

The heatwave has been exacerbated by severe power cuts, leading to criticism of K-electric, the private company that supplies the Karachi's electricity, and of provincial authorities who oversee the crumbling public health system.

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