Heatwave death toll rises in Pakistan

A devastating heatwave has killed more than 400 people in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi over the past three days, health officials said, as paramilitaries set up emergency medical camps in the streets.

The heatwave, which coincides with major power cuts, has led to harsh criticism of the provincial government’s crumbling public health system and K-electric, the private company that supplies electricity to Karachi, the richest city in Pakistan and home to 20 million people.

Temperatures have touched 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) in the steamy port city in recent days, up from a normal summer temperature of 37C (99F). But meteorological authorities say rain is due.