JACOBABAD, May 20: Mercury shot up to 52 degrees Centigrade in the district on Thursday, due to which life came to a standstill. The business activity remained suspended with markets presenting a deserted look as many people remained in their homes till the sun set, taking most of the heat with it.

Reports of people falling unconscious on account of the high temperature were also received. Moreover, power remained suspended in various mohallas for several hours, making the heat more unbearable.

FIRE: At least 40 houses were engulfed by a fire due to a short-circuit in Baram Khan Brohi village, Garhi Khero taluka, on Wednesday. The total loss was estimated at about Rs1.6 million which included dowry worth Rs50,000, 18 buffaloes, 25 cows, 40 goats and 50 hens.