The government of Odisha confirmed three deaths related to heatwave conditions in the state on Friday. According to a situation report from the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), these fatalities were reported from Balangir, Sundargarh, and Sonepur districts.

Out of 16 suspected heat-related deaths examined, three have been confirmed as caused by sunstroke. The report also indicated that four cases were determined not to be heatwave-related, while the remainder is still under investigation by district authorities.

In addition to the heatwave deaths, the SRC confirmed six fatalities due to whirlwinds and lightning. Specifically, three casualties were reported in Keonjhar district due to nor’wester conditions, while Jajpur district saw two deaths from lightning strikes. Dhenkanal district also reported one death due to lightning.

SRC RP Patil advised the public to avoid direct sun exposure between 11 am and 3 pm, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions.

Currently, heatwave conditions persist in western Odisha, with Jharsuguda recording the highest temperature at 45.2 degrees Celsius. Other districts such as Boudh, Sambalpur, and Bolangir reported temperatures of 44.5 degrees Celsius, 44.2 degrees Celsius, and 44 degrees Celsius, respectively.