Heatwave in Pakistan: Jacobabad sizzles at 50°C, faces frequent power cuts

Pakistan is reeling from a heatwavewithhundreds of peoplebeing treatedfor heatstroke at hospitals across the country.Authorities onFriday (May 24) urged people to stay indoors, hydrate and avoidunnecessary travel.Citing weather forecasters, areport by thenews agency Associated Press said thattemperatures are likely to soar to 55 degrees Celsius.

Pakistan's Jacobabad is one of the hottest citiesin the worldandmercury here on Friday soared to 50 degrees Celsius.Residents ofJacobabad are grappling with the rising heat, and frequent power cuts have added to their woes.

'Miserable to stay at home'

Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a Jacobabad resident saidit has been miserable to stayhome during the heatwave."So, we come out and play Ludo (board game)whichis a good way to pass the timeanditreduces the feeling of heata little,"the resident added.

"Our houses become very hot because of the intense heat in Jacobabad. Itis difficultto sleep at home. That is why we comedownhere to sleep on the rooftop after a tiresome day. It is a bit breezy herewhichreduces the heatandwe are able to get some sleep here,"another resident told Reuters.

Data fromPakistan'smeteorological agency showed that the city would have to cope with the heat for at least two more weeks.

UN urges children tobe protectedfromheat

Scores of people havebeen hospitalisedfor heatstrokein Hyderabad, Larkana, Jacobabad and Lahore.Pakistan has set upemergency response centres at hospitalsto treat patients affected by the heat.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has appealed for children tobe protectedfrom the heat.

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“UNICEF is deeply concerned about the health and safety of babies and young children as debilitating heatwave conditions take hold in several countries,”said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF regional director for South Asia.

Wijesekera said the increasing temperatures across the region could put millions ofchildren’shealth at risk if they are not protected and hydrated.

(With inputs from agencies)