BHUBANESWAR: The scorching heatwave sweeping across Odisha has claimed an alarming toll, with 45 suspected heatstroke deaths reported in the last 24 hours alone, bringing the state’s death toll to 141.
The western districts remain the hardest hit as the blistering conditions persist unabated. According to the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office, a total of 99 deaths were reported in the last 72 hours, with 20 fatalities confirmed due to sunstroke based on postmortem and joint inquiry reports. Distressingly, two cases were attributed to other causes, underscoring the severity of the situation. “While 26 deaths have been confirmed due to sunstroke, eight were caused by other reasons,” stated the SRC’s office, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing heatwave.
The Meteorological Department has warned that the heatwave is likely to persist for the next two days, particularly affecting parts of Bargarh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, and Sonepur districts. Although a slight reprieve is expected thereafter, citizens are advised to exercise caution, especially during peak hours between 11 am and 3 pm. On Sunday, Titlagarh recorded the highest temperature at 42.5 degrees Celsius, closely followed by Balangir and Sonepur at 42.3 degrees Celsius each. With humidity levels remaining high and minimal rainfall activity, citizens are enduring intolerable conditions across the state.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, the state has recorded a significant rainfall deficit of 27 per cent between May 23 and 29, exacerbating the challenges posed by the ongoing heatwave. As the nation grapples with the dire consequences of the heatwave, urgent action is required to safeguard vulnerable populations and implement measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events in the future.
