Bhubaneswar: With the mercury touching 42 degree Celsius in several parts of Odisha amid scorching heatwave, at least eight people were reportedly affected by suspected sunstroke in the state.
According to the Public Health Department, eight persons including five from Angul and one each from Bhubaneswar, Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh, have been hospitalised after suffering from sunstroke. All of them are undergoing treatment at different hospitals. However, no sunstroke death has been reported in the state so far.
According to Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra, hospital authorities have been instructed to remain alert to provide round-the-clock service to sunstroke patients as part of efforts to deal with people affected by heatwave.
Special beds and adequate medicines have also been kept ready at Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Headquarters Hospitals for the treatment of sunstroke patients. Hospitals are ready to treat patients suffering from heatstroke and sunstroke, he said.
Doctors have also been imparted trainings to tackle sunstroke cases. Besides, a district-level team has been formed to investigate alleged sunstroke death cases.
It may be noted here that by 11.30 am on Saturday, the temperature in Keonjhar touched 38.6 degree Celsius. In Jharsuguda and Sambalpur, the mercury reached 37.4 Celsius.
Due to the increase in sea breeze, there is less wind in Bhubaneswar today as compared to yesterday. By 11.30 am, the temperature in the capital city stood at 36.2 degree Celsius.
The heat wave will continue in some parts of the state for the next 24 hours. Warning has been issued by the IMD for 11 districts – Cuttack, Bhadrak, Niagara, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, Boudh, Malkangiri, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Balangir.
