The coal-rich district of Jharsuguda became a virtual furnace as mercury jumped to 45 degree Celsius, the highest temperature of the season, at many places in the district.
Jharsuguda town recorded 44 degree Celsius on Friday and Sunday.
According to the Met office, Jharsuguda was among the hottest places in the State with 45 degree Celsius recorded on the day. Normal life was severely affected in industrial belt areas due to the heat conditions while sunstroke death toll mounted to two in the district till now.
Meanwhile, frequent load-shedding added to the woes of residents of Behramal, Cox Colony and Bijunagar of Jharsuguda.
“What is the point of paying electricity bills if Wesco fails to supply power in this time scorching heat,” said 72-year-old Bhimsen Agarwal of Berhamal.
Members of Brajrajnagar-based Swastik Club served cold drinking water to railway passengers at the Brajrajnagar railway station.
The temperature in the coalfields of Ib Valley and lakhanpur area was two-three degrees warmer.
MCl lakhanpur General Manager MG Brahmapurkar said the company is making all arrangements to ensure that its employees would not have to face rigorous occupational hazards due to heat. All workers are being provided Oral Rehydration Sachets (ORS), he said.