Bhubaneswar: As temperatures continued to soar across Odisha amid hot and humid conditions, the number of heat-related cases also recorded considerable rise in the state.
As per data available with the Health and Family Welfare Department, at least 282 persons have fallen ill due to heat-related issues so far this summer.
Sharing details regarding heat-related illness cases, Director of Public Health Dr Nilakantha Mishra told reporters that all these 282 affected persons sought treatment at outpatient departments (OPDs) of government hospitals and none of them required hospitalisation.
Stating that unverified report of a suspected heatstroke death was received in Balangir district, Dr Mishra clarified that the case has not been confirmed as the district administration’s report is still awaited by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
He said Sambalpur district reported the highest number of 83 heat-related illness cases, followed by Jharsuguda (72), Mayurbhanj (42), Balasore (24), Sonepur (17), and Deogarh (15).
Advising people to avoid venturing out after 10 am, Dr Mishra said in case of emergencies, one should carry an umbrella or a cotton gamchha for protection. Those who have to go outside must stay hydrated by drinking adequate quantity of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) or rice water, he said. Truck drivers have been specifically advised to avoid working in mining areas during peak heat.
Notably, 17 places in the state recorded temperature at 40 degree and above on Monday when Sambalpur was the hottest at 42.9°C, followed by Hirakud at 42.4°C. The India Meteorological Department has forecast a further rise in temperatures by 2–3°C across over the next three days in the state.
