Reportedly, more than 500 900 1200 people have died in the on-going heatwave in Karachi (unofficial sources claim the numbers are higher than 3,000). With city wide electricity crisis, water shortage and lack of support from the government, citizens of Karachi are largely on their own – supporting each other to beat the heat and stay alive.
We have compiled a list of resources to provide relief and assistance (medical, financial, moral) to those struck by this calamity. Please come forward and play your part.
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Heatwave situation in Karachi
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Heatwave relief centers in Karachi
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How to help Karachi heatwave victims: Resources and activities
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How to beat the heat: Save yourself and others from effects of heatstroke
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Government response to Karachi heatwave killings
If you have a resource to share, please mention in the comments below.
Heatwave situation in Karachi

27,000 – the number people suffering from heatstroke in Karachi. According to an official at Jinnah Hospital. #KarachiHeatWave
— Imran Khan (@iopyne) June 23, 2015
Dead bodies of heatwave victims shifted to Graveyard on trucks due to shortage of ambulances #KarachiHeatWave pic.twitter.com/nM0uAMhdzN
— Beenish Malik (@iambeenishmalik) June 23, 2015
Heatwave relief centers in Karachi
All major government and private hospitals in Karachi are working round the clock to provide emergency relief to people affected by the heatwave.
Sindh Rangers have set up emergency relief camps:
How you can help the heatwave victims in Karachi
We are sharing messages from social media and other sources that ask for help. Please do your due diligence.
Team Karachi
Title: Saad Khalil Jafri
A/C No: 01158224701
IBAN: PK90SCBL0000001158224701
SWIFT: SCBLPKKXX
Bank: Standard Chartered Bank
It will be of help if you notify them on deposits. Email address is zahid.jduk[@]gmail[dot]com. Please mention whether it’s Zakat or general donation
For Ihsaas Trust
Name: Ihsaas Trust – Sadqa
Account no.: 01140100892545
IBAN: PK13MEZN0001140100892545
Bank: Meezan Bank Limited
Bahadurabad Branch
Karachi-Pakistan
Name: Ihsaas Trust – Zakat
Account no.: 01140100892552
IBAN: PK13MEZN0001140100892552
PTI is collecting donations at their media center.
Help Karachi, a Facebook page, is coordinating relief activities at Ziauddin Hospital, Kemari, in collaboration with Dr Faseeha Sohail at the hospital. For donations and contributions, visit the facebook page or call Rehan at 03008956543.
Yusra Askari is involved in relief operations for Karachi heatwave victims and is in contact with several hospitals in Karacih. She can be contacted through her twitter account or at phone numbers (021) 35873514 and/or 35824703.
Distribution teams will head out after 2:00 pm. Those looking to contribute can drop off donations to: F 25 A, Block 9, Clifton. #Karachi
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) June 24, 2015
Requirements: Water, ORS, Saline 1000 cc, RInger Lactate 1000 cc, Dextrose Water 1000 cc, Flagyl 100 ml and Omeprazole (injection). #Karachi
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) June 24, 2015
2000 water bottles needed urgent pls contact Dr Tasneem butt 03002586901 in Jinnah hospital #Karachi #KarachiHeatWave
— RM (@RumaisaMohani) June 23, 2015
Mineral Water: This person is providing mineral water at low cost (500ml in Rs 10, 1.5 litre in Rs 20). They claim the water has been lab tested. Contact # 03353322113
How to beat the heat: Save yourself and others from effects of heatstroke
Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:
- Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won’t allow your body to cool properly.
- Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.
- Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
- Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can’t avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.
How to cool someone affected by a heatwave
- Put the person in a cool tub of water or a cool shower.
- Sponge with cool water.
- Fan while misting with cool water.
- Place ice packs or cool wet towels on the neck, armpits and groin.
- Cover with cool damp sheets.
Government response to Karachi heatwave killings
A journalist claims that KMC is hoarding funds collected for relief of heatwave victims.
Is KMC hoarding donations? Insisted we gave to Civic Centre not give ourself. But Lists don't check out #Karachi pic.twitter.com/qAUD9wtZMU
— Mahim Maher (@Mahim_Maher) June 24, 2015
Abid Sher Ali, federal minister for water and power (sharing the portfolio with Khawaja Asif) and nephew of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said that he and his government are not responsible if someone dies from heat or suffocation.
Sindh government announced a day off on Wednesday, June 24 to protest against the killings by heatwave in Karachi.
وزیر اعلی سندھ Ù†Û’ کراچی Ûلاکتوں Ú©Û’ خلا٠دھرنے اور Ø§ØØªØ¬Ø§Ø¬ کا اعلان کیا ÛÛ’. ÛŒÛ Ø§ØØªØ¬Ø§Ø¬ کس Ú©Û’ خلا٠Ûوگا؟ اپنی ØÚ©ÙˆÙ…ت، @KElectricPk یا الله؟
— Kashif Aziz (@kashaziz) June 23, 2015
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Last but not the least, repent, ask for forgiveness and the blessings of Allah.
Allah is the One who sends the winds, so they stir up a cloud, then He spreads it in the sky however he wills, and makes it (split) into pieces. Then you see the rain coming out from its midst. So, once He makes it reach those whom He wills from His slaves, they start rejoicing, (30:48)