The heatwave situation in Odisha has turned increasingly severe, with the State reporting three deaths caused by heatstroke, official sources said on Friday.

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According to the Deputy Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), one person each has died in the districts of Bolangir, Sundargarh, and Subarnapur due to extreme heat conditions.

Out of the total 16 heatstroke-related complaints received by the district administrations, three deaths have been confirmed as heatstroke fatalities, while investigations into the remaining 13 cases are underway.

Authorities stated that the public awareness campaigns and precautionary measures have helped reduce the number of heatstroke deaths this year compared to previous years. The families of the deceased have been provided financial assistance of Rs 50,000 each from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

The scorching heat has badly affected normal life in Odisha districts. Residents have been struggling with unbearable temperatures and intense humidity over the past several days. The heat becomes severe from as early as 8.00 AM, while afternoons feel like “fire raining from the sky”, according to residents.

Stepping outdoors has become extremely difficult as hot winds and intense sunlight burn the skin almost instantly.

The situation has worsened further due to frequent and unscheduled power cuts, leaving people distressed and helpless. The maximum (day) temperatures are being witnessed at 40 Degrees Celsius or above in several districts, making it one of the hottest states in the country.

Due to the intense heatwave, roads and marketplaces remain largely deserted after noon, creating a curfew-like atmosphere in many cities and towns of Odisha.

Environmental experts and intellectuals in the State have stressed the urgent need for forest conservation and increased public awareness to combat the worsening climate crisis in the coming years.