Heat wave grips Orissa

Bhubaneswar, Apr 21 (ANI): Soaring mercury level has made life miserable for people in Orissa as they grapple with the heat wave.

The temperature hovered around 40 degree Celsius in the state, with some parts like the western region of the state recording a temperature of 43 to 44 degree Celsius.

State's Meteorological Department predicts that the heat wave will prevail across the state over next 24-hours due to the north-westerly wind blowing from Rajasthan.

According to reports, around 24 people have lost their lives due to the scorching heat.

"Unofficially, we have received 24 deaths, but we sought confirmation from the collectors. We have received only one death so far," said G. V. G. Sharma, Revenue Secretary of Orissa.

Sharma further said that State authorities have also alerted the health department, district officials and disaster management authorities.

Since, children were badly hurt by the rising mercury, parents felt that the timing for the educational session should be changed.

"The problem is that day by day the heat is increasing in Orissa. So I think the session should end in December during winters. That may help the children psychologically and physically," said Binapani, a resident. (ANI)