At least 30 people have lost their lives due to sunstroke as the heat wave swept entire Odisha. Several cities witnessed record-breaking day temperature on Thursday, making it the hottest April in last five years.
Khurda district was the worst affected by the scorching heat, reporting maximum number of deaths. As per the media reports, four people were killed in Cuttack and three in Angul.
Titlagarh was the hottest city in the country with 45.5°C. This was followed by Angul and Chandbali at 43.1°C and 41.9°C, respectively. All these temperatures have broken record of highest day maximums in last 10 years during April.
Mercury has been surpassing 40-degree mark consecutively for the last one week.
Moreover, no respite is likely in coming days, at least for next 5-6 days. Skymet Weather predicts temperatures to rise even further during the next few days, worsening the situation.
In wake of the blazing heat, Odisha state government has asked schools to be closed till April 20. Authorities have also been directed to make necessary arrangements and ensure that sufficient drinking water is available for the people.
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