In Odisha, 99 suspected heatwave deaths in 72 hours and no respite in sight

“Whenever we receive a report of sunstroke death, a joint inquiry by the local revenue officer and the local medical officer is conducted to ascertain the exact cause of the death. The situation is being monitored round the clock by the SRC office,” said a senior SRC official.

The government has ordered a postmortem of all suspected heatstroke deaths.

Of the total 141 alleged heatstroke deaths, the government has confirmed 26 while it has been ascertained that in eight cases, the deaths were not due to heatstroke. A total of 107 cases are pending at the district-levels for joint verification, said the official.

The state government provides an ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 to the next of kin of the deceased in case of heatstroke deaths.

A high-level meeting was held at the level of Chief Secretary and instructions were issued to the District Collectors to ensure implementation of heatwave advisories and precautionary measures.

According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in the western region of the state, while the coastal and interior districts will witness hot and humid weather conditions.

In view of a jump in alleged heatstroke deaths, the Odisha Health Department has also prepared an action plan to tackle the situation.

The health authorities have been asked to ensure that all healthcare facilities across the state should have the logistics to meet emergency situations.