Odisha Confirms First Heatwave-Related Death

A top official said as Odisha continues to suffer from hot and humid weather, the state government acknowledged the first heatwave-related death and approved an ex gratia of Rs 50,000 for the deceased’s family.

A senior official at the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office said on Sunday that the victim is a middle-aged man from the Balasore district, adding that the state has received reports of 20 deaths owing to heat waves.

“We have received information on 20 alleged heatwave fatalities so far. One death has been confirmed so far in Balasore district. The collectors are looking into the others”, the official continued, adding that Rs 50,000 will be paid to grieving families in case of death due to heat waves.

With heat wave conditions existing in several districts, SRC Satyabrata Sahoo evaluated the situation on Saturday based on the IMD forecast.

According to the Met Office’s forecast, hot weather will likely persist in some areas for the next three days.

The IMD forecast, “Hot and uncomfortable weather is likely to continue for the next 3-4 days. People are advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding heat exposure during peak hours, staying hydrated, and caring for vulnerable persons including old, children, sick, and pregnant women”.

While the state’s coastal belt has been experiencing heavy humidity, daytime temperatures in the western region have risen.

“By 8:30 am on Sunday, the capital city of Bhubaneswar had recorded a maximum temperature of 33.2 degrees Celsius and an overall humidity level of 76 percent by 8.30 am”, IMD continued.

“At 8:30 am on Sunday, Jharsuguda had the greatest maximum temperature of 37.4 degrees, followed by Sambalpur with 36.4 degrees”, IMD added.

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