Severe Heatwave in Gujarat Claims Two Lives in Ahmedabad

A severe heatwave with temperatures ranging from 45 to 47 degrees Celsius has been sweeping in Gujarat since Monday, resulting in over a dozen fatalities due to heatstroke or heat-induced illnesses.

Fatalities and Affected Areas Due to Heatwave in Gujarat:

On Friday, two individuals in Ahmedabad city and one in Ahmedabad district succumbed to heatstroke, as temperatures in the region soared to 46.7 degrees Celsius on Thursday. 

Additional deaths have been reported in Vadodara, Surat, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Morbi over the past week, attributed to heatstroke, heat-related illnesses, or heart attacks.

Hospital Emergency Cases:

Government hospitals across the state have experienced a surge in patients suffering from heat-related conditions. In Ahmedabad city alone, nearly 100 emergency calls were received on Thursday. 

A senior doctor from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital told The Hindu, “Emergency cases related to heatstroke or dehydration and exhaustion are coming due to heatwave.”

Government Response to Heatwave in Gujarat:

While the State government has yet to make an official statement regarding the heat-related deaths, local civic bodies like the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) have issued a red alert, urging citizens to remain indoors and stay hydrated. 

The India Meteorological Department has also issued a red alert for heatwave conditions across Gujarat until May 27.

Chief Minister’s Appeal:

On Thursday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel appealed to citizens to take precautions against the heatwave, advising them to avoid venturing out during peak hours from 10 AM to 6 PM and to maintain hydration. 

The Health Department has led all district civil hospitals to provide round-the-clock services to manage the influx of patients due to the severe weather conditions.

Opposition’s Call for Compensation:

The opposition Congress party has called on the Chief Minister to declare compensation of ₹4 lakh from the State disaster relief fund for the families of those who have died from heatstroke. 

Gujarat Congress spokesman Manish Doshi stated, “We have seen reports of deaths in Ahmedabad and elsewhere, and yet the State government has not made any statement about it. 

The government must declare that those who have died of heatstroke and their families would be given compensation as they are either poor or lower-middle-class citizens.”

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