Scorching Heatwave Claims Lives in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT : Gujarat simmers under an unprecedented heatwave, with Ahmedabad witnessing its first ever heatstroke fatalities. The relentless heat has pushed the city to its limits, with hospitals overwhelmed by a surge in heatstroke cases.

“The ongoing heat wave in Gujarat, especially in Ahmedabad, has claimed lives of two innocent people for the first time in the history,” said a health official, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The scorching temperatures, reaching a staggering 46.6 degrees Celsius on May 23rd – the fifth time in a century – have proven deadly. Over 100 suspected heatstroke cases were rushed to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on a single day, with tragically, two succumbing to the heat within 12 hours.

“They were brought to the Civil Hospital on the evening of May 23rd,” informed a hospital source, painting a grim picture of the situation.

Heatstroke Diagnosis and Rising Cases

Confusion surrounds the official death toll from heatstroke. Dr. Rajnish Patel, Additional Medical Superintendent at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, clarified the criteria for recording a heatstroke death.

“Heatstroke can be considered death only if the body temperature reaches 105 and the blood chemistry also changes. Death from heatstroke is recorded in the book only if death occurs in this condition,” he explained.

Despite the technicalities surrounding official figures, the alarming rise in heatstroke cases speaks volumes. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of patients, highlighting the impact of the extreme heat.

Demand for Assistance and Compensation

The Congress party has called for immediate action to help those affected by the heatwave.

“Currently people are getting very sick due to 45 to 47 degree temperature in Gujarat,” stated Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi. “The Congress has demanded to give an aid of four lakhs to the family of the deceased.”

Doshi has written a letter to the Chief Minister, urging him to provide financial assistance to the families of those who lost their lives to the heatwave from the State Disaster Response Fund.

State Health Department Meeting

Earlier on May 23rd, Dr. Neelam Patel, Director of the State Health Department, met with Surat Municipal Corporation officials. While acknowledging the concerning rise in heatstroke cases across Gujarat, she stated that no deaths had been officially recorded due to the heatwave.

However, the stark reality on the ground contradicts this statement. The searing heat and its devastating consequences are undeniable. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the impact of this unprecedented heatwave and provide relief to those suffering under its relentless grip.