Even as blistering heat wave continued to sweep different parts of the State on Wednesday, 42 cases of sunstroke deaths have been reported so far in 2018.
“As many as 42 sunstroke deaths have been reported so far this year, but seven cases were confirmed as heat stroke deaths,” informed Deputy Special Relief Commissioner Pravat Ranjan Mohapatra.
Out of total the 42 cases reported so far, inquiry is being conducted into 35 cases and the district Collectors have been asked to submit reports. “Seven deaths have been confirmed as sunstroke deaths as per the latest report,” said Mohapatra .
“Inquiry into the remaining 35 cases is pending due to a delay in getting post-mortem reports,” the official added.
On Wednesday, as many as eight places in the State recorded maximum temperature of 40 degree Celsius and above with Angul recording the highest temperature of 41.9 degree.
Similarly, Titilagarh recorded 41 degree, Balangir 40 degree, Sonepur 40 degree, Dhenkanal 40.2 degree, Baripada 40.4 degree, Chandbali 40.2 degree and Sambalpur 40.1degree, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Regional Office here.
The IMD issued a heat wave warning for the next two days. However, Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 39.6 degree and Cuttack 39 degree. But though the mercury came down high humidity made life difficult for the residents of the twin cities.
However, the weather office forecasted that climatic conditions can change and bring some respite from heat with monsoon rain likely on June 23 and 24.