Heatwave in Odisha: The intense heatwave burning a major portion of mainland India claimed at least 10 lives in Odisha on Thursday. The victims succumbed to suspected heatstroke in Rourkela of northern Odisha in the Sundargarh district. A severe heatwave swept across Odisha, especially in the western regions, with temperatures going beyond 44 degrees Celsius in at least 12 locations on Thursday.
Director-in-Charge of Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) Sudharani Pradhan said that the fatalities occurred in just six hours between 2 PM and 8 PM. He said eight of the victims were dead on arrival at the hospital. "The two other persons passed away while receiving treatment. This appears to be a consequence of the severe heatwave," Pradhan was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
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"The body temperatures were alarmingly high, around 103-104 degrees Fahrenheit, which is extremely high, especially under the prevailing weather conditions. This likely contributed to the fatalities. Unfortunately, detailed medical histories couldn't be collected," she added.
Confirming the 10 deaths, Director of Public Health UK Sahoo said: "While we have confirmed the deaths of 10 individuals, their identities are still being verified."
"At this point, the exact cause of death is unclear. We expect to determine more following the post-mortem examinations," Pradhan told PTI.
Many others who fell sick are being treated at hospitals.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported in its evening bulletin that 19 locations in the state recorded maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Several districts of Odisha, such as Jharsuguda, Bolangir, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Malkangiri, Sundargarh, Nuapada, and Kandhamal, are reeling under the heatwave. Jharsuguda bore the brunt of the worst in the state, reaching 47 degrees Celsius.
Following closely were Titlagarh at 46.5 degrees Celsius, Bargarh at 46.3 degrees Celsius, and Sambalpur at 46.2 degrees Celsius.
Other districts that recorded high temperatures were Sonepur (45.6°C), Malkangiri (45.6°C), Bhawanipatna (45.5°C), Balangir (45.3°C), and Hirakud (45.2°C).
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