Severe heat wave continued in Odisha as mercury soared to over 40 degree Celsius at 19 places and reached 45 degree or above in six places in the State on Sunday.
Highest day temperature at 46.7 degree was recorded in Angul while Sambalpur followed at 46.6 degrees. Highest temperature in western Odisha town Titlagarh was 46.5 degree and 46.4 degree at Hirakud. Bhubaneswar recorded 45 degree.
The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted this heat wave-like situation would continue till May 30.
The State government has directed all District Collectors to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply in water scarce areas, repair defunct tube wells and drinking water pipelines, open drinking water kiosks and to arrange special facility in hospitals for treatment of heat-stroke patients. Till now more than 20 cases of suspected heat stroke deaths have been reported from different parts of the State. Although the government has directed that no labourer be used for hard work between 11 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. , yet at many places they were working at construction sites.
