Odisha sizzles as mercury soars above 40 degrees

Odisha continues to sizzle under the intense heat waves as temperatures rises above 40 degrees in most parts of the state.

For the last two days, average temperature is hovering at 41 degree Celsius. The situation became worse on Thursday as the temperature crossed 45 degrees in seven cities in western part of the state.

Sambalpur recorded the highest 45.5 degrees on Thursday. Similarly, Hirakud boiled at 45.4 degrees Celsius, Titilagarh 45.4, Sonepur 45.2, Jharsuguda 45.1, Bolangir 45, Sundergarh 45 degrees Celsius.

Bhabanipatana, another major city of western Odisha, was blistering with 43.5 degrees Celsius. Angul, industrial district of the state, experienced another hot day on Thursday as the mercury touched 42.5 degrees.

Likewise, the people of Kendujhar, Baripada, Phulbani, Chandbali and malkangiri have been reeling under extreme heatwaves. There is no escape for the people in capital either.

Though the temperature in Bhubaneswar came down to 40.7 degree yesterday as compared to 42.6 on Wednesday, but the humidity grew further.

The residents in the affected districts preferred to keep themselves in the four walls. "The heat is so much that I feel my skin will burn. So my family and me go outside before 9 in morning," said Priyambada Mishra, a housewife.

Met department say there will be no escape form heatwave at least for the next two days. "Similar heat wave will continue for next 24 hour," said S.C Sahoo, Director Bhubaneswar Meteorological Center.

Seeing the situation, all district headquarters are strictly instructed to keep officials on alert to tackle any situation like sun-stroke. People have been advised to keep precautions before going out.