Health authorities in Sudan’s Red Sea state say at least 16 people have died from heatstroke in recent weeks as an intense heatwave drives a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses and places additional strain on medical facilities.
Ahlam Abdel Rasoul, director-general of the state Health Ministry, said 160 heatstroke cases had been recorded, including the 16 deaths.
She said persistently high temperatures were increasing pressure on medical staff, emergency departments and treatment facilities across the state.
In response, the ministry has introduced a series of emergency measures, including the establishment of three cooling centres in densely populated areas in cooperation with the SABA organisation.
Authorities have also prepared a specialised facility to receive critical heatstroke patients, increased emergency-room readiness and introduced measures aimed at lowering temperatures inside hospital wards.
The response plan also includes public awareness campaigns in crowded areas and displacement shelters, while the state’s Higher Committee for Health Emergencies has mobilised relevant agencies to coordinate the response.
A central ambulance hotline has also been designated for suspected heatstroke cases in an effort to speed up transportation and ensure patients receive urgent treatment.
The measures come as Red Sea state experiences an unusually severe spell of extreme heat, raising concerns that the number of illnesses and deaths could rise further if temperatures remain at current levels.
