Karachi is currently experiencing an unprecedented heatwave accompanied by severe power outages, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents already grappling with high temperatures.
The heatwave has pushed temperatures to feel as high as 50°C, making it extremely difficult for people to cope with the conditions. Compounding this issue is the prolonged power load-shedding, which has left many areas without electricity for 10 to 12 hours daily. Despite directives from the Sindh government and the Karachi commissioner to minimize load-shedding during the heatwave, K-Electric, the city’s power utility company, has continued extensive cuts.
Also Read: A severe heatwave in Karachi has claimed 17 lives in just 36 hours
K-Electric claims that 71% of feeders are exempt from load-shedding, but numerous neighborhoods, including Korangi, Landhi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, North Karachi, and others, continue to suffer from power cuts. Residents have reported receiving significantly high electricity bills, ranging from Rs30,000 to Rs50,000, adding financial strain to the already challenging situation.
In response, a spokesperson for K-Electric stated that scheduled load-shedding is limited to 10 hours and denied any unscheduled power cuts. However, the ongoing outages have prompted residents to seek medical assistance due to heat-related health issues, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
Calls for immediate government intervention to lower electricity prices and halt unscheduled load-shedding have intensified as Karachi residents endure extreme heat and power disruptions during this challenging period.
