Authorities in Sukkur today launched an emergency response as temperatures surged to between 48°C and 49°C, prompting the establishment of heatwave relief camps and the rollout of public welfare measures aimed at protecting residents from the extreme weather.
Acting on directives from Mayor Sukkur and Sindh government spokesperson Barrister Arslan Islam Shaikh, the district and municipal administration set up relief camps at major public locations across the city. Additional camps are being established to expand assistance efforts as the intense heat persists.
Officials said the camps are providing basic medical care, oral rehydration salts (ORS), chilled drinking water and cold beverages to help residents cope with the soaring temperatures and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
In a parallel initiative, the Sukkur Municipal Corporation has begun distributing free umbrellas to daily-wage workers and other vulnerable labourers exposed to prolonged outdoor conditions. An initial survey identified around 4,000 workers eligible for the programme, with distribution planned in phases.
Town municipal chairmen and councillors have been instructed to ensure a transparent verification process within their respective union councils so that assistance reaches deserving beneficiaries, officials said.
The administration has also launched a citywide tree-planting campaign aimed at mitigating rising temperatures and improving environmental conditions. Plantation activities are underway in several neighbourhoods, while authorities have urged residents to participate in efforts to make the city greener and more climate resilient.
The relief measures received support from health and development organisations. World Health Organization (WHO) Sindh Director Dr. Mukhtiar Hussain Bhayo described the response as timely and effective, saying such interventions play a critical role in safeguarding public health during periods of extreme heat.
Prem Chand Bahadur, Chairman and Chief Financial Officer Sindh of the United Nations Planning and Training Organization, also praised the plantation and relief initiatives, calling them a positive step toward sustainable urban development.
Barrister Arslan Islam Shaikh said the Sindh government was deploying all available resources to shield citizens from the effects of the heatwave. He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party’s vision of public service, environmental conservation and urban development was reflected in the ongoing relief and plantation campaigns.