Surat has reported its first suspected heatstroke-related death of the season after a 30-year-old textile worker collapsed while walking home amid soaring temperatures in the city.
The deceased has been identified as Anujkumar Shah, a native of Bihar who was employed at a textile unit in Sachin GIDC and lived in Sai Bhupat Residency at Paligam in Sachin.
Worker collapsed while returning home
According to police and hospital officials, Shah reportedly fell unconscious on the road while walking home in broad daylight on Tuesday.
A passerby alerted emergency services, following which he was shifted to New Civil Hospital for treatment.
However, doctors later declared him dead.
Dr Ketan Naik, Resident Medical Officer at the hospital, said the body showed signs of severe dehydration likely caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat and sunlight.
“Samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for histopathology examination to determine the exact cause of death,” he said.
Surat recorded unusually high temperatures
Surat has witnessed abnormally high temperatures over the past few days, with the mercury touching 42.2°C — nearly seven degrees above normal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said changing wind patterns contributed to the sudden heatwave conditions in the coastal city.
Officials noted that northerly winds increased heat intensity between May 9 and 12.
The temperature later dropped sharply to 34.3°C on Wednesday.
Authorities step up heatwave measures
Officials said hospitals in Surat have established dedicated heatstroke wards to handle rising cases linked to extreme weather conditions.
The Surat Municipal Corporation has also shifted over 1,400 homeless individuals to shelter homes and arranged drinking water and ORS facilities across bus stops and public areas.
Authorities have urged children, elderly people, pregnant women, and outdoor workers to avoid exposure during afternoon hours.