This blog post examines how extreme heat in Karachi, Pakistan, has evolved from an environmental nuisance into a full-blown public health crisis.
Drawing on decades of experience in urban health and climate adaptation, I summarize the physical, mental, social, and economic consequences of scorching temperatures—above 40°C inland and 35°C on the coast. I also outline practical, community-centered interventions that can reduce harm and restore dignity.
Heat beyond discomfort: why Karachi is at risk
Extreme heat in Karachi is not only about high temperatures; it is about systems—housing, electricity, water, healthcare—that fail when heat stress peaks.
The 2015 heatwave that claimed more than 1,200 lives remains a stark reminder that urban populations are vulnerable when multiple systems break down at once. When nights stay hot, sleep deprivation compounds heat exposure, and physiological resilience erodes.
From an epidemiological standpoint, sustained daytime highs above 40°C inland and 35°C on the coast increase the incidence of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, kidney dysfunction, and cardiovascular events.
These are preventable conditions when basic services and adaptive measures are available.
Who bears the burden and why it matters
Heat does not strike evenly. Women, particularly those responsible for caregiving and household management, often shoulder the heaviest load.
They arrange care for children and the elderly, queue for water, and sustain neighborhood networks—frequently while lacking time for rest themselves.
Outdoor laborers, informal vendors, and daily-wage workers face immediate income loss when work becomes unsafe. Food and water price spikes further erode household budgets.
Emotional and social health also suffer. Anxiety, panic, and emotional fatigue arise as bodies struggle to cool down, and family tensions rise with sleepless nights and exhaustion.
In informal settlements, cramped homes and poor ventilation magnify heat exposure. Weak infrastructure means that power outages can cut off lifesaving cooling and medical services.
Community responses and the limits of solidarity
Despite systemic vulnerabilities, Karachi’s neighborhoods often display remarkable resilience. Community solidarity—sharing water, food, shade, and caregiving duties—becomes a lifeline during extreme heat events.
These acts of mutual aid illustrate both human compassion and the gaps in public systems.
Those neighborhood networks are vital, but they are not a substitute for structural change. Reliance on informal support can mask deep inequalities and leave the most isolated people at risk.
Sustainable adaptation must combine community action with reliable public services.
Practical interventions that reduce suffering
Effective strategies are often low-tech and cost-effective. Prioritizing these interventions helps prevent crises from becoming catastrophic:
Conclusion: adapting with dignity
Karachi’s experience shows that adaptation begins close to home. Ensuring reliable services, protecting caregivers, and creating safe communal spaces can save lives and calm anxious communities.
As a public health practitioner with 30 years in the field, I’ve seen that durable solutions blend technical fixes with social solidarity.
Here is the source article for this story: How extreme temperatures strain minds and bodies: a Karachi case study