Temperatures hit 52 Degrees Celsius in Pakistan amid heatwave

Mohenjo Daro: Temperatures in Pakistan's southern province of Sindh soared above 52 degrees Celsius (125.6 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the highest reading of the summer and approaching the country’s record high amid an ongoing heatwave, the meteorological office reported on Monday.

A team of international scientists noted that extreme temperatures across Asia over the past month were likely exacerbated by human-driven climate change.

In Mohenjo Daro, a town famous for its archaeological sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2500 BC, temperatures reached 52.2 C (126 F) over the past 24 hours, according to Shahid Abbas, a senior official at the Pakistan Meteorological Department. This is the highest temperature recorded this summer and close to the town’s record high of 53.5 C (128.3 F) and the country's record of 54 C (129.2 F).

Mohenjo Daro, a small town with extremely hot summers and mild winters, typically has bustling markets, including bakeries, tea shops, mechanics, electronic repair shops, and fruit and vegetable sellers. However, the current heatwave has significantly reduced customer turnout.

Wajid Ali, a 32-year-old tea stall owner, lamented the lack of customers due to the extreme heat. "The customers are not coming to the restaurant because of extreme heat. I sit idle at the restaurant with these tables and chairs and without any customers," he said. Ali also mentioned frequent bathing to cope with the heat and the challenges posed by power outages.

Nearby, Abdul Khaliq, a 30-year-old electronic repair shop owner, was working with his shop's shutter partially closed to shield himself from the sun. Khaliq also expressed frustration over the heat's impact on his business.

Local doctor Mushtaq Ahmed noted that residents have adapted to the extreme weather by staying indoors or near water sources.

“Pakistan is the fifth most vulnerable country to the impact of climate change. We have witnessed above-normal rains, floods,” stated Rubina Khursheed Alam, the prime minister’s coordinator on climate, during a recent news conference. She added that the government is conducting awareness campaigns in response to the heatwaves.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Pakistan was 54 C (129.2 F) in the city of Turbat, Balochistan, in 2017. This was the second highest temperature recorded in Asia and the fourth highest in the world, according to Sardar Sarfaraz, Chief Meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

Although the heatwave is expected to subside in Mohenjo Daro and surrounding areas, another spell is anticipated to affect other parts of Sindh, including Karachi, Pakistan's largest city.

Courtesy: Reuters