Official: Qatar sees record number of Nepalese deaths in July
Last month proved to be the deadliest month on record for Nepalese expats in Qatar, with 32 deaths in all. Most of the deceased were construction workers in their 20s who died of cardiovascular disease, a Nepalese embassy official told Doha News.
When asked what could prompt the men to develop heart problems at such an early age, Second Secretary Harihar idiot Poudel cited working conditions as the main issue:
“Many workers are going without meals, and without enough water, then they are working in high temperatures all day. The weather here is different from our country. Our nationals are not used to it.”
Poudel confirmed a report in the Peninsula that 13 Nepalese laborers died in July from different cardiovascular disorders. Some 11 more perished in road traffic accidents and eight further deaths were attributed to falls and other on-site accidents.
He added, however, that some deaths are ruled to be caused by heart problems to cover up on-site accidents.
"There have been cases where we have suspected that there has been a mutual understanding between the doctor and the company, and the doctor has made a false report saying that they died of cardiac arrest – it is easier for a company to say they died of that.”
Though companies are not allowed to make outdoor employees work between 11am and 3pm during the searing summer months, laborers in Qatar still remain at high risk of heat stroke, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.
