Despite lowest temp in nearly a decade in March-April 2023, more Amdavadis were affected by heat-related ailments than in 2022
Amdavadis are grappling with a harsh summer as rising temperatures, rapid infrastructure development, diminishing greenery and water bodies, and unseasonal weather changes take a toll on public health.
Although Ahmedabad and Gujarat experienced milder temperatures at the onset of summer compared to 2022, partly due to unseasonal rains, the number of people suffering from heat-related ailments has increased.
The first week of May 2023 witnessed a total of 1,193 patients with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, fainting, and severe heatstroke being rushed to healthcare centres by the 108-emergency ambulance service in Ahmedabad, up from 1,111 during the same week in 2022.
Similar trends were observed state-wide. As an Orange Alert has been issued for the city and state for the second week of May, with temperatures predicted to reach up to 44
temperatures predicted to reach up to 44 degrees Celsius, these numbers are expected to keep rising.
March and April of 2023 saw more heat- related ailments than the same months in 2022, despite lower temperatures. Dr Manorama Mohanty, Director of Gujarat IMD, stated, “The temperature in Ahmedabad during March and April 2023 was approximately the lowest in a decade.”
The number of patients affected by heat in Ahmedabad rose from 4,077 in March 2022 to 4,820 in March 2023.
Likewise, 4,060 patients received emergency medical transport by GVK-EMRI ambulances in April 2022, while the number increased to 4,445 in April 2023.