Kamakhyanagar/Udala: The ongoing severe heatwave in Odisha has begun to take a toll on human life, with at least three suspected sunstroke deaths reported from different parts of the state.

In Dhenkanal district’s Kamakhyanagar sub-division, two persons reportedly died due to extreme heat conditions on Sunday. The incidents were reported from villages under Kankadahad police limits.

One of the deceased, Srikant Pradhan (25) of Batagaon village, had returned home after work but soon complained of uneasiness. His family rushed him to the Kamakhyanagar hospital, where he was declared dead.
In another incident, Junei Birua (70) of Bandhaniya village collapsed while returning home after bathing in a nearby pond.

He was first taken to a local health centre and later shifted to the Kamakhyanagar hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Family members have alleged both deaths were caused by sunstroke. Personnel from the Kankadahad police station have reached the spots and initiated investigations.

In a separate case, an elderly woman identified as Balli Kisku from Urmal village under Udala police limits in Mayurbhanj district also reportedly died of suspected sunstroke. She collapsed by the roadside while walking to a relative’s house during the afternoon.

With temperatures soaring across the state, normal life has been severely disrupted. Authorities have repeatedly urged people to avoid stepping out during peak hours and to stay hydrated as the heatwave continues unabated.

Scorching heat prevails

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, six places in the state recorded maximum temperatures of 45°C or above on Sunday. Titlagarh was the hottest at 45.8°C, followed by Boudh at 45.6°C. Other severely affected locations included Bhawanipatna (45.4°C), Sambalpur (45.3°C), Sonepur (45.2°C), and Balangir (45°C).

At least 20 places recorded temperatures of 40°C or higher. Jharsuguda registered 44.8°C, Hirakud 44.5°C, and Nuapada 44°C. Other areas reporting high temperatures included Angul (42.7°C), Phulbani (42.5°C), Malkangiri (42°C), Bargarh (42°C), Nabarangpur (42.2°C), Khordha (41°C), Sundargarh (41.6°C), Nayagarh (41.6°C), Talcher (41.5°C), and Rourkela and Baripada at 40.2°C each.

The Meteorological Centre has forecast that heatwave conditions are likely to persist in several districts over the next five days.

In view of the extreme weather, the Works Department has prohibited engagement of labourers during peak hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The directive, issued by the Engineer-in-Chief, aims to safeguard workers from heat exposure.

Contracting agencies have been instructed to suspend work during these hours and ensure labour welfare measures, including shaded rest areas, safe drinking water, and first-aid facilities at worksites.