Odisha Govt Reviews Heat Wave Situation, Issues Advisory Amid Soaring Temperature

Bhubaneswar: With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting further rise in temperature across Odisha, the state government on Thursday reviewed the situation to deal with the sizzling heat wave conditions.

The IMD has forecast that the day temperature is likely to be 40 degree Celsius and above at some places in Interior Odisha during the next 5 days and people may experience hot and discomfort weather during this period.

At 2.30 pm on Thursday, Sambalpur was the hottest place recording 43.2 degree Celsius followed by Jharsuguda (42.4), Hirakud (41.6), Keonjhar (37.8) and Bhubaneswar (37).

In view of grueling heat conditions, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrat Sahu held a high-level meeting which decided to take a host of steps.

It was decided to initiate precautionary measures to tackle the situation with emphasis on making available drinking water in all market places, bus stands and crowded locations in rural and urban areas of the state. Water tanker should be arranged in areas facing water scarcity.

Instruction was also given to repair all tube-wells and pipes and provide drinking water and ORS to bus passengers.

The authorities were asked to store sufficient lifesaving medicines, saline, ORS in the dispensaries, PHCs, CHCs and Subdivision/ District Headquarters Hospitals to meet the requirement, sources said.

“Paniya Jala Seva Kendras” (Drinking Water Kiosks) are required to be opened by Urban Local Bodies/ Gram Panchayats at market places, bus stands and other congregation points.

Similarly, the construction/ repair of shallow vats may also be ensured for roaming livestock, it was decided.

In view of scorching heat, workers should not be engaged in any activity when the day temperature is very high, while steps must be taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

People have been advised not to venture out between 11 am and 3 pm unless it is very urgent. They have been advised to carry  water bottle, use sunglasses & umbrella and wear loose clothing to escape the wrath of heat.