Odisha Heatwave Claims 30 Lives: Government Takes Action

Four more people succumbed to sunstroke in Odisha, bringing this summer's death toll to 30. Officials report 147 suspected sunstroke cases, of which 30 are confirmed. The state government is taking measures, including post-mortems and inquiries, to determine exact causes and ensure ex-gratia sanctions.

Odisha recorded four new sunstroke fatalities, raising the summer death toll to 30, as per an official statement on Monday.

A total of 147 suspected sunstroke cases have been reported, with 30 confirmed as heat-related deaths. Twenty cases were ruled out, while 97 remain under investigation.

Following inquiries and post-mortems, authorities confirmed six suspected sunstroke deaths, four of which were validated. Investigations continue for the remaining cases.

Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena and Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu held a review with district collectors.

They instructed district authorities to ensure post-mortem examinations for ex-gratia sanction. Joint inquiries by local revenue and medical officers are mandated for each death.

On Monday, temperatures in Odisha dropped slightly, with only three places recording over 40 degrees Celsius: Nuapada (41.6°C), Titlagarh (41°C), and Bolangir (40.4°C).

The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre forecasted heat wave conditions for Tuesday in several districts, including Sonepur, Boudh, and Bolangir. Hot and humid weather is expected in other regions.