The scorching heat and prolonged power outages have left citizens exhausted, roads deserted, and daily life paralyzed in the town of Badin, located in southern Sindh. In response, the municipal committee, social organizations, and citizens have swiftly established relief camps providing cold water and sherbet. Badin recorded one of the highest temperatures in the country, with the mercury reaching 44 degrees Celsius.
As the temperature soared, citizens struggled to cope, particularly affecting the sick and elderly. During the midday peak, people remained indoors, adhering to an ancient practice of starting work at daybreak and finishing before midday to avoid the heat.
The town appeared deserted in the afternoons, with only those having urgent tasks venturing out under the blistering sun. Locals used traditional headscarves moistened with water to protect against heatstroke.
To mitigate the risks associated with the intense heat, heatwaves, and potential heatstroke, Chairman Pir Muhammad Saleh Qureshi of the Badin Municipal Committee, along with Vice Chairman Ali Akbar Memon and Focal Person Ghulamuddin Odejo, supervised the establishment of heatstroke relief camps. These camps, located at main intersections, bus stops, the NADRA office, and public parks, provided chilled water, beverages, and seating arrangements. Social organizations, including Helping Hand for Relief, distributed bottles of chilled water to passengers at various intersections, public parks, and in front of the NADRA office, in addition to the relief camps set up throughout the city.
Additionally, the Social Worker Ittehad, under the leadership of Muhammad Somar Mallah and Aslam Mallah, organized a cold water and lassi camp at Shah Nawaz Chowk.
The extreme heat has been exacerbated by repeated, unannounced power outages, making life even more difficult for citizens. The city's water supply schedule has also been disrupted due to the prolonged power outages, leading to a widespread water shortage across Badin.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2024.
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