Extreme heat wave kills hundreds in Pakistan
KARACHI, Pakistan -- Officials say more than 400 people have died from heatstroke in the last three days in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi.
Health director Zafar Ejaz confirmed on Tuesday at least 413 deaths.
Seemi Jamali, spokeswoman for the Jinnah Hospital says hundreds more are being treated for heat-related ailments, including fever and dehydration, and the city mortuaries are running short of space. She says most of the deaths have been among the elderly.
Provincial Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has closed schools and public offices until the heat wave cools off.
Meteorologist Mohammad Hanif says the current heat wave has been rare, with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). But he predicts rain in the coming days to bring some relief.
The deaths in Karachi come after a heat wave claimed roughly 2,000 lives in India last month.