Over 550 die in Pakistan heatwave

Islamabad, June 23: Over 550 people have died due to a relentless heatwave in Pakistan in the last two days, media reported on Tuesday.

The toll across the country has risen to 572 as people faced severe hardship due to worst load shedding in the holy month of Ramadan, The News International reported.

Many parts of Pakistan including Karachi have witnessed unprecedented heatwave since Saturday.

In Karachi, 300 people lost their lives after being hit by sun-stroke and other heat-related problems.

In some parts of the country, people staged protests against the government. They blocked roads to vent their anger.

However, according to the Flood Forecasting Division, a monsoon system has come close to Pakistan and there is a possibility of rainfall in many parts by Wednesday.

However, it a new heatwave may hit the country in the coming week.

Saturday was the hottest day this year in Karachi, with the mercury shooting up to 45 degrees Celsius.

IANS