DADU, May 11: Two elderly people died and 30 others fell unconscious as the district experienced the hottest day of the season on Sunday when mercury shot up to 49 degrees Celsius.

The bazaars and markets wore a deserted look during daytime as the traders preferred to close business and remain indoors after lunch time but the prolonged loadshedding forced many people to come out and take to the streets to protest against the power supply company.

According to reports, 10 people fell unconscious in the city and were admitted to government and private hospitals, 12 fainted in Mehar and eight in Johi.

A 70-year-old man Shahan Rodhnani fell unconscious and died in Nai Gaj Area of Johi and a 40-year-old bagger fainted in Mehar and died due to heatstroke.

Dadu Civil Surgeon Dr Tafique Ahmed Memon has advised people to remain indoors and have cold drinks during daytime. Doctors’ leaves had been cancelled and they had been directed to be on duty to face any possible eventuality, he said.

Dr Mohammad Ismail Lashari, child specialist, said that the scorching heat was causing gastroenteritis and diarrhoea among children and so far 40 children had reported at the hospital.

Nawabshah city and its adjoining areas continued to remain in the grip of heatwave with local Met office recording temperature at 47 degrees Celsius maximum.

The scorching heat forced people to remain indoors, bringing routine and business activities to a standstill. Besides, unannounced load-shedding had multiplied people’s miseries.