Severe heat wave warning in coastal Odisha

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday sounded a severe heat wave warning in coastal Odisha for the next 3-4 days.

Odisha continued to reel under the scorching sun on Thursday, and the government confirmed the death of nine people due to sunstroke.

It said it has received unconfirmed reports of 119 deaths so far due to heat stroke.

The maximum temperature was recorded above 43 degrees Celsius at 10 places, and above 40 degrees at 18 places.

Sonepur and Talcher recorded a maximum temperature of 45.4 degrees, while the state capital boiled at 45.3 degrees, the IMD said.

Bhubaneswar wore a deserted look throughout the day as people preferred to remain indoors to save themselves from the blistering heat wave.

Bhubaneswar Met department director Sarat Chandra Sahu said coastal Odisha would continue to experience increase in temperature in the coming days.

He also predicted light rainfall in interior parts of the state.

Meanwhile, the special relief commissioner's office said the state government has received reports of 119 deaths due to sunstroke, while it has confirmed only nine.

"Of the total case, 50 have been inquired into and nine deaths have been confirmed due to heat stroke. The rest 69 cases are under inquiry," it said.

--IANS

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