Surging Temperature Amidst Absence Of Breeze Makes Life Difficult In Karachi

Surging temperature amidst absence of breeze makes life difficult in Karachi

Director, Pakistan Metereological Department, Karachi office, Abdul Rashid said on Thursday that the current heat wave in Karachi is expected to subside by Saturday as the low air pressure may return to normal leading to resumption of sea breeze

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Oct, 2017 ) :Director, Pakistan Metereological Department, Karachi office, Abdul Rashid said on Thursday that the current heat wave in Karachi is expected to subside by Saturday as the low air pressure may return to normal leading to resumption of sea breeze.

He said the mercury rose to 41 degrees celsius in Karachi Thursday noon with little respite in the latter hours turning climatic conditions all the more unbearable in the absence of sea breeze the coastal city is known for.

Experts talking to APP attributed the intense weather condition to low pressure in the Arabian Sea causing humidity and surge in day as well as night temperatures. "Since there is minimum temperature difference, often below three degree celsius, during day and night hours hence risk to get inflicted with heatwave has increased manifold," said Dr.Muhammad Tofique, Director Health Services, Karachi.

In the given situation, he said citizens were being repeatedly advised to enhance their fluid intake, preferably water, and to avoid unnecessary sun exposure. "This is prerequisite to avoid dehydration a common health related condition with severe implications," said the official.

Agreeing that suggestion not to move out of cool environment may not be possible for large majority of the citizens, the official said they can always keep their head covered with a wet towel or piece of cloth.

Wearing light colored clothes, preferably cotton is also highly recommended, he said advising citizens to consume simple food and seasonal fruits that may not be necessarily expensive. "There are simple interventions we can resort to and avoid severe condition harming our health," said Dr.

Tofique. "Adequate water intake and light but nutritious food comprising curd, vegetable and fruits provide us natural protection," he emphasised advising people to curtail high intake of meat and oil.

As for arrangements made by the authorities in Karachi, he said each and every healthcare facility managed by KMC is on high alert with provision for heatstroke management units. "These measures are part of our regular intervention adopted during summers so as to avert any untoward incident," he said.

To another query, he said professionals associated with KMC hospitals, health centers and clinics are also made to undergo refresher programs on regular basis to handle possible cases of heatwave. "This time of year our efforts are paying off as cases are being efficiently handled right from first level of care to tertiary levels," he said. APP/rh/ms