In the face of an intense heatwave sweeping across Surat and the rest of the state, the government has issued urgent guidelines to help citizens avoid heat stroke as temperatures hit over 40 degrees for two consecutive days. The sweltering heat has led to a surge in heat stroke cases, prompting the authorities to advise the public on necessary precautions to combat the extreme conditions.
Citizens are being urged to stay indoors, especially during peak heat hours, unless absolutely essential. Clothing recommendations include loose, white cotton attire to cover the entire body and head. Additional items such as caps, glasses, and umbrellas are also suggested for use when venturing outside.
The advisory highlights the particular vulnerability of small children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities or health conditions, urging them to take special care when exposed to the sun. Practical tips such as covering the head with a wet cloth, wiping the body with a damp cloth, and frequent consumption of cold water are shared.
In terms of diet, the state recommends consuming fennel, raw mango, rose, poppy, and black grape syrups. Watermelon, lemon sherbet, buttermilk, tadfali, and coconut water are also recommended, alongside caution against consuming stale food, iced items from the market, and milk-based products at large gatherings like weddings. To avoid the risk of diarrhea, tea, coffee, and alcohol should be avoided.
The warning signs of a heat stroke include headaches, leg pain, increased body temperature, excessive thirst, dehydration, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, fainting, and in extreme cases, seizures. The government urges citizens to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health center or government hospital if they experience any of these symptoms.
For the farming community, frequent irrigation of crops, keeping the soil moist through mulching, and providing shade and ample clean drinking water for livestock, including cows and buffaloes, are advised. In poultry houses, curtains and proper ventilation are recommended, while grazing or feeding cattle during peak afternoon hours is strongly discouraged.
