8 die of sunstroke as heat wave continues in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, April 27  People in Odisha on Wednesday continued to reel under the blistering heat wave as 17 places recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. The government confirmed the death of eight people due to sunstroke.

The highest temperature of 46.3 degrees Celsius was recorded at Subarnapur, followed by Talcher at 45 degrees and Angul at 44.7.

Bhubaneswar Met department director Sarat Chandra Sahu said the heat wave would continue in many parts of the state for a few more days.

The state government received reports of deaths of 112 people due to sunstroke, the special relief commissioner's office said.

"On inquiry, the death of 8 people due to sunstroke has been confirmed. In 40 cases, death occurred due to other reasons. The remaining 64 cases are under inquiry," it said.

The special relief commissioner's office said adequate measures have been taken to ensure drinking water facilities in both rural and urban areas.

As many as 542 tankers have been engaged and 1,234 plastic water tanks placed to meet the requirement of water in urban areas.

Similarly, 955 tankers have been engaged for supply of water in rural areas.