Jacobabad, Sindh: A severe heatwave continued to grip Pakistan’s southern Sindh province this week, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, with the city of Jacobabad sweltering under extreme temperatures of 48 degrees Celsius.
The weather office had forecast the heatwave from June 7 to June 12. Data released on Friday showed Dadu remained the hottest district, recording 51°C (123.8°F), while Shaheed Benazirabad matched Jacobabad at 48°C (118.4°F). Karachi recorded 36.5°C (97.7°F), slightly above normal levels.
In Jacobabad, one of the hottest cities in the world, residents said authorities had made no significant arrangements to combat the heat.
“No special measures have been taken for heatstroke here, nor is there any availability of water,” Raja Khalid, a local resident, told Reuters.
“People here are forced to buy clean drinking water for their households. The heat is so intense that the roads here are deserted. There is no business and life has come to a standstill.”
Another resident, Mohammad Khalid Magsi, said daily business activities had been severely affected, with some shopkeepers closing by midday.
“Similarly, it has become difficult for daily wage laborers to find work because of the extreme temperatures,” he said. “That’s why the situation is really worrisome.”
The Pakistan Meteorological Department indicated the heatwave would subside from June 13 onward, with temperatures expected to return to near-normal levels across most of Sindh.
However, they advised residents to remain cautious and stay hydrated as isolated areas may continue to experience above-average temperatures.
Rahib Mangrio appealed to the provincial government for relief, saying gas and water were virtually non-existent in Jacobabad.
“We are making a strong request to the provincial government and our elected representatives from the area to kindly provide as much relief as possible during this extreme heat in Jacobabad. Gas and water are virtually non-existent,” he said.
“Ponds have dried up. There is no water left in the city. This is also a major issue for us.”
