City Mayor Waseem Akhtar has immediately declared emergency in KMC hospitals in view of the expected heatwave in Karachi from May 5 to 8. The Mayor of Karachi has directed the Senior Director Medical Services to make all arrangements in the hospitals in view of expected heatwave, said a statement on Saturday. The presence of doctors, paramedical staff and medicines should be ensured, the Mayor of Karachi said, adding that the Meteorological Department has forecast that heatwave may occur in Karachi from May 5 to 8 and the temperature is expected to increase upto 42 degrees centigrade. The City Mayor Waseem Akhtar said that he will not tolerate any negligence in any hospital in the days of expected heatwave. Waseem Akhtar said that in this new situation of heatwave, the safest way is not to go out during the day and to be careful when traveling. In case of any emergency, a nearby hospital should be approached immediately, said the Mayor of Karachi. Pakistan Meteorological Department Director Sardar Sarfarazhas said that up till now south-western winds from the sea had blown through the city at a high enough frequency to keep the sweltering heat at bay. However, from May 5 to 8, the sea breeze will remain suspended, he added. Hot winds will flow from the north-west direction as a result, causing temperatures to rise. However, he said luckily the weather won’t be too humid, but it will remain hot and dry during these three to four days. City Mayor Waseem Akhtar advised the public to minimise their outdoor activities to avoid the sun, while reminding that the coronavirus-induced lockdown is in place as well so going out should be avoided.
