Bhubaneswar: In a tragic turn of events, at least 34 persons died due to heatwaves in various parts of the state. A severe heatwave sweeping across Odisha has resulted in numerous fatalities which include 17 in Sundergarh, Nine in Jharsuguda, Seven in Bolangir and One in Nuapada.
In Sundergarh
The death toll in Sundergarh district has risen to 17 within two days, according to government records. In Rourkela, the death toll increased to 12 on Friday, up from 10. Some victims were found with blood on their faces, and others were brought dead to the hospital although the cause of death is not clear. The District Collector on Friday to assess the situation and stated that the actual cause of death would be determined after post-mortem reports. An investigation into these incidents has been initiated.
In Jharsuguda
In Jharsuguda district, the relentless summer heat has claimed nine lives in different locations over two days. Among the victims were truck drivers Indrajit Singh (50) and Dilip Yadav (37), who died while returning from Raigarh after unloading coal near Baghmund on National Highway No. 49. Similarly, two truck drivers named Sikandar Tudu (46) and Parameshwar Yadav (53) died near Belpahad PS Suka Patnaik square.
Ayub Khan (57) of Jharkhand state suddenly fell ill near Badamal PS Biju Expressway and was shifted to the district hospital where he died under treatment. Similarly, an old man named Sulochana Kumar (62) from Kolabira police station area died on Friday. Two truck drivers in the Bandhbahal area of Sambalpur have died of heatstroke. The number of unnatural deaths in the district has reached 9 and post mortem has been conducted.
The district administration has instructed strict adherence to the state government’s guidelines for the summer season in a meeting with the truck owners’ association and the transport department.
In Bolangir
Bolangir district has been grappling with a severe heatwave for the last five days. The high daytime temperatures and intense heatwaves at night have led to an increase in heatstroke-related deaths in the district. In the last two days, seven people have reportedly died due to sunstroke in Bolangir district. Among the victims was Ashok Naik (45), of Baherpalli who was declared dead at Bhim Bhoi Medical College and Hospital (BBMCH), Bolangir, after he was found unconscious in a field. Similarly, Ramachandra Gadatya (70) of Ranipali village after coming from his field, fell ill due to sunstroke and was declared dead by BBMCH.
Taranisen Patra (62) of Bharsuja village of Agalpur PS and Jitendra Prasad (55), manager of Shikachhida liquor store under Sadar PS, also died of sunstroke.
The administration has stated that the cause of death will be confirmed after post-mortem reports.
Meanwhile, a truck driver from Tamil Nadu, A. Shivam, also allegedly died of sunstroke at Chandotara under Sindhakela PS on Thursday night. Reports of another death due to sunstroke emerged on Friday.
In Nuapada
Reports have emerged of a tragic incident involving Madhusudan Majhi, a 55-year-old labourer from Thakurpali village in the Komana block. Majhi reportedly succumbed to sunstroke. On the day of the incident, Majhi had travelled to the neighbouring village of Karlapada for work. He began his work early at 6 am to avoid the peak heat and took a break at 10 am. During his break, Majhi experienced extreme thirst and fell unconscious while drinking water. The house owner at the scene responded by pouring water on Majhi’s head and calling an ambulance. Majhi was rushed to the district hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival. Hemdeb Majhi, Madhusudan’s brother, has attributed his brother’s death to sunstroke.
The rising death toll has raised questions about the effectiveness of government regulations prohibiting work during peak daytime heat and the lack of awareness campaigns about the dangers of heatstroke. As the heatwave continues to grip the state, the question of who will be held accountable for these deaths remains unanswered.
