Odisha sizzles at 45 degrees Celsius

Bhubaneswar: Searing heatwave conditions further intensified today in Odisha with the mercury rising above 45 degree celsius in nine places and above 40 degrees Celsius in 19 towns.

The industrial town of Angul was the hottest place in the state recording 46.7 degree Celsius, while Sambalpur in western Odisha sizzled at 46.6 degrees followed by 46.5 degree in Titlagarh and 46.4 degrees celsius in Hirakud, the MeT office here said.

The temperature soared to 45 degree celsius in the state capital of Bhubaneswar, severely affecting normal life and forcing people to keep indoors.

As the entire western region was hit by intense heat, Balangir recorded 45.6 degrees celsius, while the temperature stood at 45.7 degrees Celsius at Bhawanipatna and 45 degrees Celsius at Jharsuguda and Sundargarh, the met office said.

Meanwhile, the number of alleged sun stroke deaths stood at 26, according to the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC). However, investigation was on into the reported cases to ascertain the exact reason of the deaths, SRC officials said.