13 died in Ahmedabad in a single day due to blistering heat, prompting a change in office timings.
In the midst of a blistering heatwave, Ahmedabad has reported 16 heatstroke incidents this month, with 13 of them occurring on Thursday (May 23) alone, according to EMRI 108 data.
Across Gujarat, 38 percent of May’s total heatstroke cases, or 22 out of 57, were recorded on Thursday — the season’s hottest day, with temperatures soaring to 46.6°C. It was the fifth hottest May day on record for Ahmedabad.
Meanwhile, AMC declared a red alert for Saturday and an orange alert for the following four days. EMRI 108 emergency services officials noted a significant spike in heat-related emergencies on Thursday. Ahmedabad recorded 77 such cases, while Gujarat as a whole saw 224.
“Ahmedabad experienced a 57 percent rise in single-day emergencies compared to an overall 19 percent rise for Gujarat. Most cases were related to high fever, heatstroke, vomiting, and diarrhea,” said a senior EMRI 108 official.
Comparing the data with last year, EMRI 108’s analysis showed an 18 percent increase in emergencies in April for Ahmedabad and a staggering 67 percent rise in May. Across the state, the increase was one percent in April and 35 percent in May. For Gujarat, the month of May is considered the hottest.
A physician from the city said, “Dry heat, with relative humidity below 20 percent since May 18, has exacerbated the situation, leading to heat-induced cold, breathing issues, and even runny noses. The high heat causes rashes, affects the mucous membrane, and makes the eyes itch.”
Doctors reported an influx of patients suffering from dehydration and uneasiness. “It’s crucial to increase fluid intake, take regular breaks, and minimize direct sun exposure,” they advised. The hospitals are seeing sporadic cases of heatstroke and other heat-related ailments in recent days.
On Friday, the city recorded a high of 45.5°C, making it the hottest place in Gujarat alongside Gandhinagar. The maximum temperature was 3.6 degrees higher than normal, while the minimum temperature, at 29.8°C, was 1.9 degrees higher than normal.
Other hotspots were Deesa at 44.8°C, VV Nagar and Kandla at 44.1°C, and Surendranagar at 44°C. The forecast predicts maximum temperatures around 45°C on Saturday, with the maximum 3.6 degrees higher and the minimum 1.9 degrees above normal.
Meanwhile, with an intense heatwave prevailing in many parts of the state, government offices in Rajkot and Ahmedabad districts have changed their business hours to make services available to people during the early hours of the day.
Following a circular issued on Thursday by Rajkot’s resident additional collector Chetan Gandhi, Janseva Kendras (civic centers) in 16 mamlatdar offices in the district as well as in the district collector’s office in Rajkot city opened at 9 am instead of the routine 10:30 am on Friday. The offices closed down for lunch at 1 pm and reopened at 4 pm while remaining open till 6 pm.
Until Thursday, these civic centers used to remain open from 10:30 am to 6:10 pm without any break in between.
Jan Seva Kendras in Ahmedabad will also open one hour earlier in the morning, announced the district administration on Friday. “Jan Seva Kendras will stay open from 9:30 am to 6:10 pm for the next one week instead of the current 10:30 am to 6:10 pm…,” a statement issued by Ahmedabad collector’s office said.
On Friday, the city police also erected gantries with net coverings at traffic junctions in Rajkot to provide relief to people from the heat. Similar gantries also came up in Vadodara.
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