Heat toll rises to 21 in Odisha, mercury still high

Death toll due to sun-stroke in Odisha mounted to 21 today as the searing heatwave remained unabated despite slight respite in the coastal areas with Titlagarh in western region turning the hottest place at 45.4 degrees Celsius.
The Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office received reports of 108 deaths allegedly due to sun stroke.
"However, 21 deaths have so far been confirmed due to heat related incidents, while 26 other deaths were found from other reasons. Rest of the cases are under investigation by the district collectors," a statement issued by the office of the SRC said.
Titlagarh town in Balangir district recorded 45.4 degree Celsius followed by 44.6 degree Celsius at Sonepur, also in western region, the Meteorological centre here said.

Bhawanipatna, the district headquarter town of Kalahandi, recorded 44.5 degree Celsius, followed by 44.4 degree in Sambalpur, 43.6 degree at Hirakud, 43.5 degree at Angul and 43 degree Celsius at Jharsuguda, it said.
The coastal belt, however, experienced marginal fall in temperature with the mercury hovering at 39.9 degree Celsius in the state capital of Bhubaneswar, the MeT office said.