State Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra has urged Union Government to treat heat wave as a natural calamity.
As the scorching heat threw normal life out of gear in the capital city with mercury shooting up to 42 degree Celsius for the third consecutive day on Sunday, the SRC reiterated State Government’s stand in favour of declaring heat wave as a natural calamity.
“The poor people are dying of heat wave and not receiving proper compensation as this calamity is not listed as a natural disaster,” rued Mohapatra.
At least 10 major towns of the State recorded temperature above 40 degree Celsius while the mercury level hovered between 39 degree and 40 degree at five other places.
There is no chance of rainfall till April 10,” said Meteorological office Director Sarat Sahu.