16 killed by heatstroke in Sudan’s Red Sea state

Sudan’s Red Sea state Health Ministry said on Thursday that 16 people have died from heatstroke, amid a sharp rise in cases as temperatures in the state have increased significantly in recent weeks.

The Sudan Tribune website quoted the ministry’s Director-General, Ahlam Abdel Rasoul, as saying that 160 heatstroke cases have been recorded in the state, including 16 deaths.

She said the ministry has taken precautionary measures, including setting up three cooling centres in the most crowded areas in partnership with the SABA organisation, as well as preparing a centre to receive heatstroke patients.

She added that emergency departments have been upgraded to receive cases, inpatient wards have been improved with measures to reduce temperatures, and awareness campaigns have been intensified.

The official said the measures target crowded areas and shelters, with the community, relevant authorities and civil defence being mobilised through the Higher Committee for Health Emergencies. A central ambulance number has also been designated for heatstroke emergencies.