39 deaths reported in Orissa; heat wave toll rises to 21 in UP

New Delhi, May 7 (UNI) Thirty nine deaths have been reported so far in Orissa due to "rise in temperatures" while the heat wave toll in Uttar Pradesh rose to 21 today.

In Orissa, ten of the 39 reported deaths have been confirmed so far due to rise in temperatures over the last week. Three deaths were reported in Angul district, two in Sambalpur and five others in the four coastal districts of the state.

The heat wave has not started in the state, according to official sources. District Collectors were being asked to verify and confirm the other 29 deaths.

In Uttar Pradesh, two more heat wave deaths were reported today from Deoria and Jalaun districts, taking the toll to 21.

The heat wave intensified further in the last 24 hrs and reached 47 degrees Celsius in Jhansi, which was five degrees above normal.

The sweltering heat has badly affected normal life in Bundelkhand region. Mahoba district alone accounts for eight deaths.

In Delhi, scorching conditions persisted for the fourth day running with the mercury hovering around the 44 Degree C mark.

The maximum temperature of 44.4 Degree C, about five degrees above normal, was a slight drop from the "season's hottest" at 44.5 degree C yesterday.

In the North-West region of the country, Hisar recorded an all-time high of 47 degrees Celsius, six degrees above normal.

It was the highest temperature recorded at Hisar in the first week of May in the last five years. Frequent disruption of power supply and power cuts lasting upto 12 to 18 hours has made matters worse for the residents of the town.

In Punjab, Amritsar was the hottest place with a maximum of 45 degrees C, seven degrees above normal. Ludhiana registered a maximum at 42.8 degrees C, three degrees above normal while Patiala was hot at 42.5 degrees C, four degrees above normal.

In Himachal Pradesh, heat wave conditions prevailed in lower parts which are also facing severe water crisis with a number of natural water sources going dry. The capital town of Shimla recorded the maximum of 28.5 degrees C, seven degrees above normal.

One death was reported so far in the heat wave in the region.

UNI Team PK RS2008