Sindh govt establishes heatwave relief camps across province

In view of the rising temperatures across Sindh, Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah on Saturday directed all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to take immediate action by establishing heatwave relief camps and initiating comprehensive precautionary measures to protect citizens from the effects of extreme heat.

Following alarming reports of soaring temperatures with Shaheed Benazirabad recording 47°C, Jacobabad 46°C, Hyderabad 43°C, Karachi 35°C, and several other districts also experiencing intense heat conditions, the provincial administration has acted promptly to implement emergency responses.

Officials said extensive arrangements had been made across the province. In Karachi Division, 73 heatwave camps have been established to provide relief to citizens. In Shaheed Benazirabad Division, 20 heatwave camps have been set up in Naushahro Feroze, 24 in Nawabshah, and 19 in Sanghar, along with 122 heatstroke wards established at healthcare facilities — including 45 in Nawabshah, 8 in Naushahro Feroze, and 69 in Sanghar.

In Sukkur Division, a total of 47 heatwave camps have been set up, including 12 in Sukkur, 7 in Ghotki, and 28 in Khairpur. In Hyderabad Division, 124 camps have been established in Badin, 88 in Dadu, 10 in Hyderabad city, 71 in Jamshoro, 42 in Matiari, 4 in Sujawal, 11 in Tando Allahyar, 3 in Tando Muhammad Khan, and 8 in Thatta. In Larkana Division, 71 camps have been set up in Kamber-Shahdadkot, 16 in Shikarpur, 41 in Jacobabad, and 7 in Kashmore and Kandhkot. In Mirpurkhas Division, 11 heatwave camps have been established in Umerkot, 8 in Tharparkar, and 10 in Mirpurkhas.

These heatwave camps have been equipped with cold drinking water, shaded resting areas, and first aid facilities, ensuring immediate relief for citizens exposed to the extreme weather. Special focus is being given to the needs of vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, children, and outdoor workers, to minimize health risks during the ongoing heatwave.

CS Shah has directed the Health Department to operationalize heatwave prevention centres at all hospitals across the province, ensuring the availability of necessary medical staff and supplies to handle heatstroke and heat exhaustion cases. Rescue 1122 services, municipal authorities, and district health teams have been placed on high alert, with ambulances and emergency teams strategically deployed across affected areas to guarantee rapid response in case of emergencies.

In addition, the secretary energy has been tasked with ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply across Sindh through K-Electric, Hesco, and Sepco, recognizing the critical importance of power availability during periods of extreme heat.

Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to sensitize the population about preventive measures, such as staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and recognizing early signs of heat-related illnesses.

He emphasized the need for continuous coordination with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority to monitor the situation closely and ensure swift action where necessary. He reaffirmed that the protection of public health and safety during the heatwave remains the topmost priority of the government and urged all departments to work proactively and diligently to mitigate the impact of the severe weather conditions.