Heat emergencies up 30% in Apr

Summer is taking a toll on the health of Amdavadis with the city reporting 30% more heat-related illnesses than last year. It should be noted that summer temperatures this year have been on the higher side. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city recorded a maximum temperature of  44°C on Monday, a degree above normal, and it is expected to rise by another  2 to 3°C in the coming days till April 30.

According to data from the Gujarat Emergency Management and Research Institute – 108 (EMRI-108), the city recorded 449 emergencies in April (up to 27) this year, against 342 cases in the corresponding period last year. This means the average per day emergencies went up to 17 cases in April 2025 compared to 13 in April 2024.

The highest number of emergency cases pertained to high fever (379) followed by vomiting and diarrhoea (23). Last year high fever cases stood at 309 while there were 13 cases of vomiting and diarrhoea. In April, cases of heat-related illnesses stood at 18 while last year zero cases were reported for the corresponding month. Cases of severe dehydration stood at 17 this year against 12  last year.

President of the Association of Physicians of Ahmedabad (APA), Dr Nehal Sadhu said April is the first official month of summer and sees major temperature fluctuations. “Since our body takes time to adjust to such variations we see a surge in people falling ill,” said Dr Sadhu. He said during summer it is ideal if one can avoid moving out from 11 to 5 pm. “If one has to do it, then one should use an umbrella, cap or hat as it prevents direct heat exposure. It is also advisable to wear light-coloured full-sleeved cotton clothes,” he said.

APA members said the maximum cases they reported in April were of headaches, dizziness and other mixed symptoms of heatstroke. They also warned that those with hypertension (blood pressure) and diabetes need to be extra careful when moving out. They have advised against self-medication and to seek medical help if health issues persist for over a day.

Symptoms of heatstroke

•    Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech

•    Loss of consciousness

•    Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

•    Seizures

•    High body temperature