Sweltering temperatures in Port Sudan have led to a surge in heat stroke cases, including fatalities, prompting concerns over the well-being of residents in the coastal city. The Red Sea state Health Ministry reported a total of 13 deaths and 42 cases of heat stroke in Port Sudan since the beginning of June. With the mercury soaring during the warm season, which commenced in June, medical authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further casualties.
Dr. Hisham Osman, the director of the General Department of Emergency and Epidemic Control at the Red Sea state Ministry of Health, emphasized that displaced individuals are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke due to their lack of awareness about preventive measures and the overcrowded shelters they inhabit. On the other hand, local residents, more accustomed to the region’s extreme weather, tend to take necessary precautions to combat the sweltering temperatures.
“To address this escalating situation, we have established a specialized center with separate wards for men and women, catering to injuries linked to high temperatures and humidity,” said Dr. Osman.
Dr. Osman highlighted the importance of staying hydrated and advised people to consume ample fluids regularly to mitigate the risk of heat stroke. Additionally, he cautioned against wearing tight, dark clothing, and recommended opting for breathable, cotton garments to minimize discomfort in the scorching weather. He further warned against spending extended periods in poorly ventilated areas to avoid heat stress.
Given the severity of the situation, Dr. Osman urged companies and investors, particularly those employing workers in physically demanding sectors like ports, to consider reducing working hours during extreme heat conditions to minimize the risk of heat stroke.
“In this heat, it’s crucial for companies to take care of their employees. Reducing working hours during extreme weather can save lives,” said Dr. Osman.
In May, Radio Dabanga reported on overcrowding in Port Sudan as people flocked to the city seeking safety. The city witnessed an influx of international organizations, including the United Nations, relocating there after the outbreak of conflict in mid-April between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Amidst the heat stroke crisis, the Port Sudan Teaching Hospital’s Emergency Department remains suspended for the fifth consecutive day due to the ongoing nurses’ strike to protest the non-payment of salaries for four months.
According to activist Amin Hamid, the strike has now spread to other departments, with hospital-wide participation reaching as high as 80%. The strike has severely impacted the hospital’s functioning, and even the pharmacies are affected.
Hamid expressed frustration at the government’s failure to address the nurses’ demands, resulting in the lack of basic provisions for medical staff to reach the hospital. Moreover, the hospital faces shortages of essential medical supplies, and malfunctioning air conditioners worsen the situation, posing challenges to patient care and staff welfare.
“The government’s negligence in addressing our demands has exacerbated the situation. We demand our salaries and basic supplies to provide quality healthcare,” said Amin Hamid.
As heat-related health risks escalate and the hospital staff strike continues, authorities face mounting pressure to find immediate solutions to ensure the well-being of Port Sudan’s residents.
The situation requires urgent attention and concerted efforts from relevant stakeholders to address the challenges posed by the heatwave and the ongoing strike at the hospital.