Wind, rains cool Pakistan heat wave that killed at least 749

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By ADIL JAWAD

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Wind from the sea and pre-monsoon rains cooled southern Pakistan on Wednesday, likely marking the end of a scorching heat wave that killed at least 749 people, authorities said.

Temperatures in hard-hit Karachi dropped to 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 degrees Fahrenheit), meteorologist Abdur Rasheed said. Hospital officials said admittances had dropped compared to previous days, when dehydrated patients lay in corridors and outside of clinics.

The port city has been in the grip of a heat wave called the worst in at least a decade, with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). Hourslong power outages, little running water and the majority of people fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan had worsened the situation.

Karachi, home to some 20 million people, suffers under an inefficient power grid and a shortage of potable water. The power outages also affected the sporadic water supply in Karachi, where those who can afford it rely on tankers of water being delivered to their homes.

FULL story at link.



People rush a man to a hospital as he suffers from a heatstroke in Karachi, Pakistan, Tuesday, June 23, 2015. A scorching heat wave across the southern city has killed hundreds of people, authorities said Tuesday. The heat wave compounded the struggles of ordinary Pakistanis as it struck amid the holy, fasting month of Ramadan, when observant Muslims abstain from food or water during daylight hours. (AP Photo/Shakil Adil)

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/9131c138e0f84decbb4a33da0d372920/wind-rain-cool-pakistan-after-over-600-deaths-heat-wave

[maxsolomon]

1. I know you fast during daylight hours during Ramadan

Can you drink water? If not, really unfortunate timing for a heat wave.

Glad it broke.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

2. If you are sick, then yes.

Hopefully, heat-related symptoms qualify.

[Tumbulu]

3. It is bizarre that the religious leaders are not requiring people to drink water during the daytime

and remember that these are the longest possible hours for the fast as it is around the summer solstice. Now granted the daylight hours are not as long as they are here in the northern latitudes, but they're indeed longer than at other times of the year.

Shame on these religious leaders- my bad view of islam just got worse. And before starting a flame war I have lived in a Muslim country during Ramadan and the distain for the plight of actual laborers by the clerics that get to live indoors and not work in the heat is just typical of the arrogance of many people who have no idea about what physical labor requires. It is by no means unique to Muslim clerics, but other religions seem to have a bit more respect for manual laborers.

Going without food, OK. BUT NOT WATER!!!!!!!

The religious leaders should be charged with manslaughter for not emphasizing that people should drink water in the heat. Especially those working and laboring outdoors. If it was an employer doing this to their workers there would be criminal charges.

[seveneyes]

4. Muslims abstain from food or water during daylight hours

Religion kills. More than any other voluntary human action.

[PasadenaTrudy]

5. Religion makes people stupid n/t