Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan is known for its fast-paced lifestyle. For the past many years, people have witnessed extreme heat waves in Karachi.
Heat waves are nothing but the period when weather conditions become extremely hot. Typically heat waves should last for a day but it continues from several days to several weeks.
Heatwave in Karachi remains a very predictable event that turns into a crisis. Load shedding and water crisis in the city make the situation even worse.
Table of Contents
What Causes Heat Wave in Karachi?
Karachi witnessed it for the first time in 2015 which resulted in hundreds of casualties across the city. The problem of heat waves is becoming severe in recent years.
Global warming is considered to be the primary reason behind these extreme weathers. This heat wave becomes even more dangerous when accompanied by high levels of humidity.
The human body has its coping mechanism to deal with extreme weather. Sometimes, the human body is unable to deal with these extreme changes which can result in heat stress in the body. This heat stress is associated with an increase in cardiac output which is dangerous.
Increased blood flow and poor oxygen supply to the body tissues can make the matter worse ultimately leading to collapse. Not only humans but plants and animal populations also get affected by this.
Who Gets Most Affected?
People who work outdoors are most affected by the heat wave in Karachi. Outdoor workers, infants, older adults and individuals suffering from existing health problems.
What to Help Someone Who is Suffering from Heat Wave?
Heat waves can affect anyone in your vicinity. If you find someone exhibiting the signs here is what you can do to help them.
- Make the person lie down
- Make sure there is enough ventilation
- Keep their feet above the ground
- Place a fan near them
- Give them the fluids to regulate their body temperature
- Reduce the clothing layer
- Place wet towels to bring the temperature down under the knees or underarms.
Symptoms to Look for!
Here are the common symptoms of heat-related illnesses that should be noticed:
- Extreme sweating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increased heart beat
- Unconsciousness
- Muscle cramps
- Pupil dilation
Doctors Recommendation on Dealing with Heat Wave
Every year when the meteorological department issues an alert for heatwave in Karachi, physicians tell people to take precautionary measures to keep themselves safe.
Here are some of the expert-recommended ways that can be a great help. These include:
- Limit your outdoor visits during peak hours i.e., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Keep yourself hydrated and carry your water bottles along
- Prefer lighter colours in summers as they absorb less heat
- Other than water, add more water-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet
- Keep your heads covered, try wearing a cap or hat
- Place your hands and feet in cold running water to dissipate the heat.
Home Remedies
Some of the home remedies can also help, including:
- Drink coconut water, buttermilk, aloe vera juice or imli ka sharbat
- Add yoghurt to your diet
- Consume raw cucumber
- Add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to your fruit juices
- Use sandalwood paste on your forehead
However, if you experience the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, immediately reach out to the best general physicians in Karachi without any delay.
