The coastal city of Port Sudan has turned into the scene of a daily struggle against an unprecedented heatwave, coinciding with repeated power outages, water shortages, and a sharp rise in ice prices, further intensifying residents’ suffering and affecting every aspect of daily life.
The sight of crows gathering beneath the shade of trees and buildings to escape the blazing sun is no longer just a passing image. It has become a symbol of the exhaustion gripping the city, as both people and birds search for any refuge from the relentless heat.
According to field reports from a reliable source, temperatures at times approach 50°C (122°F), while high humidity levels make the heat feel even more oppressive, turning even nighttime into an exhausting experience amid difficulty sleeping and continued strain on essential services.
Red Alert and Health Warnings Amid Precautionary Measures
In response to these conditions, the Sudan Meteorological Authority declared a Red Alert along the Red Sea coast from August 1 through August 6, warning of extreme temperatures and the increased risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. The authority urged residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, drink plenty of water, and postpone outdoor activities during peak daytime hours.
Meanwhile, the Red Sea State Ministry of Health raised its level of alert and issued an urgent advisory, warning that temperatures could exceed 45°C (113°F) and highlighting the health risks associated with the heatwave, particularly for the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses.
The ministry advised residents to wear light-colored cotton clothing, use head coverings when outdoors, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or severe headaches occur, emphasizing that prevention remains the first line of defense against heat-related complications.
The heatwave has also affected the education sector, with the Red Sea University temporarily suspending classes to protect students’ safety. Local authorities have also begun spraying water on streets and major roads in an effort to reduce the impact of the extreme temperatures.
Residents Describe the Hardship… Protests Over Electricity
Residents speaking from Port Sudan described the situation as unbearable. Citizen Rumaisa Suleiman said the combination of extreme heat and humidity has made sleep nearly impossible in recent days.
She stated that many residents have been unable to sleep for the past three days, adding that discussions have spread among locals about an increase in heatstroke cases, with some linking the heatwave to reported deaths, although no official figures have been released.
She also said that electricity was cut off for nearly three consecutive days before briefly returning for about an hour and a half, only to fail again, causing demand for ice to surge while supplies remained limited and prices fluctuated significantly.
In addition, she pointed to the worsening water shortage and rising water prices, noting that obtaining ice blocks now requires waiting in long lines, with available supplies selling out almost immediately upon arrival.
Other residents said that the combination of extreme heat, high humidity, power outages, and water shortages has made daily life increasingly difficult, forcing many people to remain indoors or in shaded areas during the day, while getting adequate sleep at night has become a major challenge.
The electricity crisis worsened after the Ministry of Energy announced a fire in one of the power cables at the Merowe Dam power station, affecting electricity supplies in Red Sea, Khartoum, River Nile, and Northern states. The ministry said civil defense teams and technical crews had brought the fire under control and that repair work was continuing to restore power, while apologizing to citizens for the outage, which it described as beyond its control.
At the same time, several cities in Red Sea State witnessed protests over the continued power cuts. Demonstrators blocked the national highway in Suakin, while similar protests took place in Gebeit, where residents objected to scheduled electricity cuts that they said had deprived both Gebeit and Sinkat of power for extended periods.
Residents in Port Sudan reported that daily power outages now last approximately 18 hours, disrupting cooling systems and driving up demand for water and ice, while health authorities continue warning about the dangers of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Observers believe the current crisis reflects the combined impact of climate pressures and infrastructure challenges, with extreme heat placing additional strain on electricity and water services at a time when public infrastructure is already under increasing pressure, further worsening the humanitarian and public health burden on residents. Between the Red Alert issued by the Meteorological Authority, warnings from the Ministry of Health, residents’ accounts of sleepless nights, and growing protests over electricity, Port Sudan appears to be facing one of the most difficult summer seasons in its modern history, as residents await relief from the heat and the restoration of stable electricity and water services.
United News Network – UNN Arabic
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Author: Counselor Faisal Al-Mutairi.
Publication Date: August 1, 2026.
Last Updated: August 2026.
