LARKANA: May 27, 2010. (Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) A record hottest day of the season, as the mercury level crossed 52 degree Celsius here in Larkana and other parts of province and the temperature remained around 52 plus degree Celsius in various cities, forcing people to stay inside their homes and offices. The meteorological experts forecast mainly hot and dry weather and gusty winds to continue in the province for the next 24 hours. The scorching heat wave continues in different parts of the province including in Larkana, Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Dadu and Nawabshah and other parts of Sindh. Due to the scorching heat in different parts of Sindh, many people were shifted to hospitals due to sunstroke and affected the indoor and outdoor business activities. In Larkana and surroundings scorching heat reduced traffic on roads, leaving markets deserted with people preferring to shop in the evening, while people traveling on motorbikes and public transport are facing a tough time. People preferred to stay indoors to save themselves from scorching heat, which resulted in far less traffic on city roads at noon. The electricity shortfall increased with the rising consumption of power in the wake of use of air conditioners and room coolers in the houses, offices and business places, while the business of ice, cold spots, juice and ice cream increased in the different parts. People frustrated with the heat and load shedding could be witnessed and water supply has also been affected due to the lengthy power cuts. Hot weather gripped the city of Larkana and upper parts of Sindh including Sukkar, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Shahdadkot, the schools in Larkana are observing summer vacations before time due to the scorching weather as the doctors advised the parents to keep the children indoors to prevent them from sun stroke. On the occasion, the people were face with more frequent power cuts as the demand for electricity also increased the long hours of unscheduled loadshedding across the country. More than eight persons died and dozens fainted due to sunstroke in Larkana, Kamber-Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Dadu districts here on Wednesday as mercury rose to 52 plus degree Celsius, while more than 100 some new cases of gastroenteritis were reported in different hospitals and health centres in the district here on Wednesday. The doctors have advised the people to avoid consumption of unhygienic and stall food and to drink more water, besides covering their heads with wet towels while going out during daytime.