The sizzling heat wave claimed 13 more lives in southern Punjab till Monday, reports reaching here said. Reportedly, one died in Multan while three each in Chiniot, Burewala, Sargodha and Fort Abbas. According to Met office, temperature fell to 43.5 degree Celsius in Multan, 45 in Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan.
The death toll due to sizzling heat rose to 151 during the last eight days. Besides, undeclared load shedding created a shortage of drinking water as well as ice in many cities and towns, which adding to miseries of the people.
In this regard, residents of Chichawatni, Kassowal, Hasilpur, Bahawalpur and Mian Chunnu staged a protest demonstration against the frequent power shut down for six to eight hours daily in scorching heat in these areas.
The protesting folk chanted slogans against the Mepco authorities for their failure in ensuring smooth supply of electricity in their localities.
Nine persons died in heat during the last 24 hours were identified as Muhammad Aslam, a vaccinator, Khawaja Nazir Ahmed, Shaukat Ali (45), Rashid (17), Muhammad Salim, Allah Rakha, Siyani Mai (30), Akhtari Begum and Bilquees. All belonged to Multan.
While 300 people were taken to Nishtar emergency centre, who were hit by heat, CMO Dr Muhammad Ali told reporters on Sunday.
A new-wed Maryam bibi (20) was died of heat strike during the walima function in Kotadu town, turned the happiness into mournful moment, on Saturday.
A cop died in Karor Lal- Eisan (Leiah) and a Post Office employee Masood (50) was also among victims. Health authorities said at least 35 persons, Eight in Multan, five in Khushab, three each in Arifwala, Kotadu, Sargodha, two each in Sahiwal, Chishtian, Chichwatni and Mian Chunnu, one each in Zahir Pir, Karor Lal-Eisan, Ahmedpur Siyal, Chachran Sharif, Jangal Miryala had died during the last 24 hours, report added.
Met office forecast dry and hot weather during the next 24 hours and said that there would be no rain till June 30.
Doctors have advised the people not to expose to sun without covering their heads with cloth and use maximum water with salt and not use cut-fruits.
Health authorities claimed that they had received reports from almost all the hospitals, rural health centres and basic health units that a large number of people were fainting daily due to severe heat.