Heat Wave continues to play havoc in Orissa; 39 die in Sun Stroke

24/7 News Network: The unprecedented heat wave conditions continued to play havoc in Orissa - particularly in Coastal and Western Orissa. There is no respite from the scorching heat, as the sun stroke related death toll reached 39 across the state, although officials are yet to confirm this. Industrial city Talcher recorded 48 degree Celsius on Friday, making the life hell for common people. Capital City Bhubaneswar also witnessed the maximum temperature of 42.8 degree Celsius.

The Meteorological department in the state has confirmed that the heat wave will continue for another five more days. It has been attributed to the Northwesterly winds.

Cities like Talcher, Angul, Balangir, Baripada, Sambalpur, Hirakud, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Bhawanipatna and Malkangiri are worst affected. According to reports, coal mines in Talcher, automatically catch fire in some areas. The villages that are located around the coal mines, are witnessing temperatures above 50 degree Celsius.

The state government has alerted all districts to take precautions and make necessary arrangements to minimise the impact of heat wave conditions. It has become impossible for people to venture out of their home between 11 AM - 3.30 PM, during which, heat wave remains in its peak.