Odisha is set to continue reeling under severe heatwave conditions till June 2, prompting the Revenue and Disaster Management department to issue a statewide alert. Extreme heat and humidity are being experienced across several districts, with mining belts likely to face even harsher conditions in the coming days, official sources said on Wednesday.

Also Read: Odisha plans to set up heatwave shelters as summer intensifies across State

According to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the districts such as Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bolangir, Sambalpur, and Keonjhar are expected to witness more severe temperatures due to their industrial and mining activities. The government has advised people to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours.

To tackle the worsening situation, the State government has decided to introduce mobile heatwave shelters to provide temporary relief to people affected by the scorching weather. These shelters will offer shade, drinking water, and basic emergency support for travellers and workers exposed to extreme heat.

An experimental temporary shelter has already been set up along NH-49 in Jharsuguda district. Officials said similar arrangements may be expanded to other vulnerable regions depending on weather conditions.

“Roughly speaking, till June 2, the heatwave conditions will prevail in different districts of Odisha. Most vulnerable are the mineral-rich districts, including Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Bolangir and Sambalpur, etc. We have already adopted the preventive measures in every district and are regulating the movement of people,” the Minister said.

“We are also alert to those who are coming out of their houses due to urgent work. Deaths due to heatstroke could also occur in the State. However, a death cannot be ascertained to be due to heatstroke, unless and until a post-mortem report comes in. We are giving ex-gratia from the Disaster Management department in cases where heatstroke deaths are confirmed by post-mortem,” the Minister further said.

“We have already started heatwave shelters in some places. This thought came to our mind during the heatwave conditions. We are in receipt of the drawing and designs of mobile heatwave shelters. Further steps will be taken soon,” Minister Pujari added.