The state has been suffering under a scorching sun for four days and has recorded temperatures greater than 40 degrees Celsius in most cities. The peak temperature Rajkot recorded on Wednesday, March 12, was a blistering 42.1 degrees.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heat in five districts on this day, March 13: Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Kutch, Porbandar, and Surendranagar. While the spell of heat also continues in the region, some partial relief is expected from tomorrow onward.
On March 12, temperatures crossed the 40°C mark in nine districts. Here’s a snapshot of the maximum temperatures recorded in key areas:
- Ahmedabad: 40.7°C
- Amreli: 41°C
- Vadodara: 40°C
- Bhavnagar: 37.8°C
- Bhuj: 40.2°C
- Deesa: 40.2°C
- Dwarka: 32.8°C
- Gandhinagar: 40.6°C
- Jamnagar: 38.4°C
- Kandla: 39°C
- Nalia: 39°C
- Porbandar: 40.8°C
- Rajkot: 42.1°C
- Surat: 38.5°C
- Veraval: 32°C
Rajkot Adverse Temperature Alert and Action
Most of Rajkot city and district area is under the heatwave impact with a red alert declared for two days. The district health department has swung into action, asking schools to put up temporary shades and set up ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) corners on the grounds. Water arrangements have also been initiated to fight dehydration.
Residents have been advised to refrain from stepping out during high noon unless under great necessity. The health department has further asked the population to recognise symptoms of heat stroke and rush for treatment, if required.
Emergency Measures and Public Advisory
A.K. Gautam, the Additional District Collector of Rajkot, intervened to bring about a heatwave situation and has laid down measures for the general public:
- To stay in cool and well-ventilated areas.
- Do not expose yourself directly to sunlight and heat.
- Avoid heavy work from 12 PM to 3 PM.
- Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and sugary drinks; these may worsen dehydration.
- For any emergency, contact 108 Emergency Services or District Emergency Operation Center at 0281-2471573, toll-free 1077.
Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan Goes Into Action
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) commenced its activated Heat Action Plan on behalf of the citizens:
- Traffic signals will be closed from 11 AM to 5 PM to prevent sweating.
- Drinking water and ORS will be supplied to all BRTS and AMTS buses, while drivers and conductors will assist them onboard.
- Green nets, coolers, and fans will be made available at all major bus depots.
- School timing will be adjusted to red alert level, and a buzzer every 90 minutes will remind students to drink water.
- Public gardens will be open from 6 AM to 11 PM.
- Heatstroke wards are provided at LG Hospital and Shardaben Hospital, where the entire system is air-conditioned and ice boxes are provided for rendering immediate help.
Surat’s Proactive Measures to Tackle Heatwave
The Surat Municipal Corporation is also trying to avoid the worst:
- All hospitals and health centers were instructed to submit daily reports on heat-related illnesses (HRI).
- Awareness campaigns using hoardings, banners, and pamphlets are reaching out to educate citizens on how to avoid this hazard of heatwave.
- ORS corners have also been set up in urban health centres, along with heatwave alerts that are being displayed on LED screens.
What is a heatwave?
According to IMD, a heat wave is declared, when:
- When the maximum temperature in the plains reaches 40 degrees C or more.
- When in hilly states, temperature remains at 30 degrees Celsius or above.
- Temperature above 47 degrees C is considered dangerous and life-threatening.