Heatstroke Tragedy: 10 Dead in Odisha’s Rourkela

In Odisha’s Rourkela city, a tragic incident unfolded on Thursday as ten individuals succumbed to suspected heatstroke, a consequence of the sweltering temperatures gripping the eastern state, officials reported. Dr. Sudharani Pradhan, the director-in-charge of Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH), disclosed that these fatalities transpired within a brief six-hour window commencing at 2 pm.

Upon arrival at the hospital, eight individuals were already deceased, while the remaining two perished during treatment, attributed to the severe heatwave, according to Dr. Pradhan. She noted that body temperatures were alarmingly high, ranging between 103-104 degrees Fahrenheit, a significant deviation given the prevailing weather conditions. This extreme hyperthermia is likely the culprit behind these tragic losses. However, due to the patients arriving deceased, comprehensive medical histories could not be examined, she added.

Several others are currently receiving medical attention. At this juncture, the precise cause remains undetermined and awaits confirmation post-mortem examination scheduled for tomorrow, Dr. Pradhan mentioned. U K Sahoo, the Director of Public Health, corroborated the death toll, stating, “Ten individuals have perished, though their identities are yet to be confirmed.”

Simultaneously, Odisha endured persistent heatwave conditions, particularly affecting the western regions, with temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius in twelve locales on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported in its evening bulletin that nineteen places across the state recorded maximum temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius.

The heatwave was notably severe in districts such as Jharsuguda, Bolangir, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Malkangiri, Sundargarh, Nuapada, and Kandhamal, as detailed by the IMD. Jharsuguda recorded the highest temperature in the state, soaring to 47 degrees Celsius.

Following closely were Titlagarh at 46.5 degrees Celsius, Bargarh at 46.3 degrees Celsius, and Sambalpur at 46.2 degrees Celsius. Sonepur experienced a temperature rise to 45.6 degrees Celsius, matched by Malkangiri, while Bhawanipatna recorded 45.5 degrees Celsius, Balangir at 45.3 degrees Celsius, and Hirakud at 45.2 degrees Celsius.