Bhubaneswar, April 30 (Bureau) Intense heat wave conditions swept across Odisha, with 29 cities in the state reporting a maximum day temperature of 42 degree or more, paralysing the normal life. The mercury soared above 44 degrees Celsius in as many as 15 locations across the state. Baripada town in northern Odisha became the hottest place in the state, registering a maximum temperature of 46.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Balasore at 46 degrees Celsius, and the capital city of Bhubaneswar at 45.4 degrees Celsius. IMD sources said the mercury hovered at or above 44 degrees Celsius in 15 locations.
The cities that recorded 44 degrees Celsius or above 44 degrees Celsius are Baripada (46.4), Balasore (46), Bhubaneswar (45.4), Anugul (44.7), and Dhenkanal. Talcher and Jajpur (44.5) each,Boudh (44.3), Jharsuguda (44.2), Cuttack, Kendrapara (44.2), Titilagarha, Nayagarha, Nuapada, and Bhadrak (44.4 degrees Celsius each). MET sources said there will be no large change in maximum temperature (day temperature) during the next 4 to 5 days at many places in the district of Odisha. It said heat wave to severe heatwave conditions are likely over districts of Odisha during the next 4 to 5 days and issued a red warning for heat wave to severe heatwave conditions for several districts.
Due to heat wave conditions, two people have lost their lives, and as many as 367 people affected by heat wave-related illness and sunstroke have been admitted to various hospitals in the state, state Health and Family Welfare Department sources said. The highest number of 60 people are admitted to hospitals in Sundergarha district, followed by 50 in Mayurbhanja district. Meanwhile, the government has increased the number of beds for the treatment of sunstroke victims. Medical College and District Headquarters are asked to increase the number of beds for the treatment of heat wave and sunstroke patients.