Sindh Sizzles As Temperatures Crossed 45°C In Many Cities

Citizens across Sindh faced extreme heat as temperatures crossed 45°C in many cities. According to the Met Department, Dadu was the hottest city, with a temperature of 48°C, which was 8°C higher than its usual April temperature. In addition, other cities such as Shaheed Benazirabad (46°C), Jacobabad, Paddidan, Khairpur, and Larkana (45.5°C) also recorded high temperatures. Furthermore, Mohenjo Daro and Rohri reached 45°C, while Sakrand, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas and Chhor saw 44.5°C. Mithi recorded 44°C, Hyderabad had 43°C, Tandojam 42.5°C, Badin 42°C, and Thatta 41°C.

Moreover, the Met data indicated that nights are warmer than usual compared to past Aprils. As a result, the ongoing heatwave prompted the provincial government to set up hundreds of relief camps. These camps offer cold water, shaded areas and first aid services to residents.

Government Takes Action to Protect Vulnerable Groups

In response, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah directed authorities to ensure prompt assistance, focusing particularly on senior citizens, children and outdoor workers. A spokesperson confirmed that “Rescue 1122 services, municipal authorities and district health teams have been placed on high alert.”

Heatwave Centers and Power Supply Management

Additionally, the Health Department received instructions to activate heatwave prevention centres at hospitals. These centres must have enough medical staff and supplies to handle heatstroke cases. Furthermore, the Energy Secretary was tasked with maintaining an uninterrupted power supply across the province. To raise awareness, public campaigns were launched to encourage citizens to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and recognize early signs of heat-related illnesses.

Read more: Heatwave in Pakistan: How to Cope and Stay Safe

Karachi Faces Humid Conditions

In Karachi, temperatures reached 39°C with hot and humid conditions. Some areas, such as Gulistan-i-Jauhar and Jinnah Terminal, recorded 40°C, while Bin Qasim Town and Sharea Faisal had 33.3°C and 37.5°C, respectively. According to the Met Office, the heatwave will persist until April 30. It also predicted that daytime temperatures would remain 6–8°C above normal in areas like Dadu, Kambar, Shahdadkot, and others. In addition, temperatures in Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Mirpurkhas will be 4–6°C above normal. Furthermore, Karachi’s daytime temperatures are expected to range from 36°C to 38°C, with humidity levels of 70-80% in the morning and 45-55% in the evening.

Relief Camps Set Up Across Sindh

Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah ordered divisional and deputy commissioners to act quickly. As a result, they set up heatwave camps and implemented protective measures. A spokesperson confirmed that 73 heatwave camps were set up in Karachi. Other districts, such as Shaheed Benazirabad and Naushahro Feroze, established 20 camps each. Nawabshah set up 24 camps, and Sanghar added 19.

Heatstroke Wards Opened in Key Districts

Furthermore, a total of 122 heatstroke wards were activated in various districts. Nawabshah had 45, Naushahro Feroze had 8, and Sanghar had 69. In Sukkur division, 47 camps were set up, including 12 in Sukkur, seven in Ghotki, and 28 in Khairpur. In Hyderabad division, 124 camps were set up in Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad city, Jamshoro, Matiari, Sujawal, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Thatta. In addition, the Larkana division set up 71 camps in Kambar-Shahdadkot, 16 in Shikarpur, 41 in Jacobabad, and seven in Kashmore-Kandhkot. In the Mirpurkhas division, 11 camps were established in Umerkot, eight in Tharparkar, and 25 in Mirpurkhas.