Intense heatwave claims 20 lives in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, June 3: Odisha grapples with the scorching heatwave as at least 20 individuals fell victim to sunstroke since Friday, as confirmed by official sources. A total of 99 suspected sunstroke deaths were reported across various districts in the past three days, clarified an official statement. Following thorough post-mortem and inquiries, 20 fatalities were conclusively attributed to sunstroke, while two were determined to have succumbed to other causes.

The investigation into the remaining suspected sunstroke deaths is ongoing, according to the released statement. Predominantly, the affected districts include Bolangir, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Subarnapur, Sundargarh, and Balasore.

Previously, 42 suspected sunstroke-related fatalities were reported from different districts, out of which six were confirmed. Additionally, six individuals were found to have passed away due to reasons unrelated to sunstroke.

Odisha's Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena and Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu convened with District Collectors on Sunday to evaluate the heatwave situation. Directives were issued to district administrations to diligently enforce heatwave advisories and undertake precautionary measures.