Over a dozen people have died due to heatstroke or heat-induced illnesses in Gujarat as severe heatwave with temperatures ranging from 45 to 47 degree Celsius has been sweeping through Gujarat since Monday.
On Friday, two persons in Ahmedabad city and one in Ahmedabad district died of heatstroke as the city and district are reeling under the scorching heat with maximum mercury levels reaching 46.7 on Thursday.
Also, deaths have occurred in Vadodara, Surat, Jamnagar, Rajkot and Morbi in the last one week. The cause of deaths has been reported as either heatstroke or heat-related illness or heart attack.
Most of the government hospitals have been witnessing rising number of patients with heat-related illnesses. On Thursday, Ahmedabad city alone received nearly 100 emergency calls.
The State government has not made any statement about deaths due to heat but the local civic bodies like Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) have declared red alert asking citizens to stay indoors and stay hydrated.
The India Meteorological Department has issued red alert for heatwave conditions till May 27 across the State.