Heatwave sweeps North Odisha too

BALASORE: Heatwave swept districts of Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Bhadrak on Thursday with the day temperature hovering around 40 degree Celsius. The unexpected rise in temperatures has led to fears of a killer summer ahead.Sources said, while Balasore recorded 39  degrees Celsius, the highest temperature of the season, on Thursday, Mayurbhanj recorded 42 C followed by Bhadrak at 40 C. The mild drizzle for 10 minutes in the afternoon only led to a rise in humidity.Sunstroke-related cases have been reported from the three districts. More than 100 patients suffering from dehydration and dryness have been admitted to hospitals, while six persons are reported to have died of sunstroke in Mayurbhanj district in the last one week.The deaths have been reported from Kuliana, Khunta, Bahalda and Bangiriposi areas. Animals too are falling prey to the searing heat. Either most of the water bodies in the district have gone dry or water level has plummeted to 180 feet leading to scarcity in many tribal villages.On the other hand, despite its proximity to the sea, Balasore and Bhadrak towns have also been experiencing unprecedented weather for the last couple days.In-charge of local Met office Pitha Charan Marandi said, “The hot and sultry conditions in the town are due to the strong presence of hot, dry north-westerly winds and absence of sea breeze has contributed to the rise,” he said. Many business establishments in the town remained shut from afternoon till evening. Meanwhile, the respective district administrations have taken steps to minimise the impact of heat on the people.Balasore district IPR officer Harmohan Jena said awareness is being created among the people about taking precautions to avoid heatstroke.