Rescuers in the western Indian state of Gujarat pick up dozens of dehydrated birds that fall from the sky daily as heat waves drain water sources in Ahmedabad, the state’s largest city, veterinarians say and animal savior.

The drought hit much of South Asia in the hottest months before summer in years, prompting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to warn of an increased risk of wildfires.

Doctors at the Animal Hospital, which is run by the non-profit Givdaya Trust in Ahmedabad, said they have been treating thousands of birds over the past few weeks, adding that rescuers are carrying dozens of high- flying bird species such as pigeons every day.

“It was one of the worst years in a long time. We are seeing a 10 per cent increase in the number of birds in need of rescue, ”said Manoj Bhavsar, who has been working on the foundation and rescuing birds for over a year. decades.

In an attempt to save the birds today, on Wednesday, doctors used giving them pills containing many vitamins, while water was poured into their beaks using syringes.

Gujarat health officials have issued guidelines for hospitals to set up dedicated units to treat heat stroke and other fever-related illnesses.