DADU, June 2 Four people passed away and 100 others passed out because of an intensive heat wave sweeping across the district and its adjoining areas on Tuesday.

The rising of mercury to 48 degrees centigrade forced the businesses to pull down their shutters in the afternoon. The city gave a deserted look.

An aged man Nawab Khan Jaheja passed away at Nai Gaj while grazing his cattle, a woman Janan Khatoon in Tando Rahim, Subhan while waiting at a bus stop in Mehar and a beggar outside the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalanadar.

Some 35 people, including women and children fainted in Mehar and Khairpur Nathan Shah talukas, 50 in Johi and 15 in Dadu because of the baking heat. All were admitted to the government and private hospitals.

Child specialist at the Civil Hospital Dadu, Dr Abdul Razzaq Junejo tagged the rising temperature to an increase in gastroenteritis cases as 50 patients were admitted and 100 others treated at the hospital during last 24 hours.

Over and above the heat, was the 10-hour closure of electricity adding to the agony of the people. Ice vendors had a field day as it was sold for Rs150 per maund.