Odisha Scorched by Severe Heatwave, No Relief Till June 2
A severe heatwave continues to grip Odisha, with weather officials warning that there will be no major relief from the scorching temperatures till June 2. The situation is expected to worsen further in mining belt districts such as Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Balangir, Sambalpur and Keonjhar.
A relentless heatwave continues to sweep across Odisha, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that there will be no major relief from the extreme temperatures till June 2. Several districts, especially in western and mining belt regions, are witnessing dangerously high temperatures, making normal life extremely difficult. Districts such as Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Balangir, Sambalpur, Keonjhar and Kalahandi are among the worst affected, with temperatures consistently crossing 44°C.
Authorities have confirmed three heatstroke-related deaths from Subarnapur, Balangir and Sundargarh districts. However, reports and allegations suggest that the actual death toll linked to the ongoing heatwave could be much higher. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) office has issued weather alerts across multiple districts:
Red Alert for Sambalpur and Balangir
Orange Alert for Jharsuguda, Subarnapur, Kalahandi and Nuapada
Yellow Alert for Kandhamal and Bargarh
In Titlagarh, residents are battling unbearable conditions as temperatures have remained between 44°C and 45.8°C for nearly a week. People say stepping outdoors even briefly feels unbearable, while hospitals have begun admitting patients to heatstroke wards. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari stated that temporary heatwave shelters have been established along NH-49 in Jharsuguda to provide relief to commuters and travelers. He also informed that permanent shelters will be built before next summer, while plans are underway to introduce mobile heatwave shelters across vulnerable areas.
Apart from the scorching temperatures, frequent power cuts and acute water shortages have further worsened the situation, leaving residents exhausted and frustrated. Even Daringbadi, popularly known as the “Kashmir of Odisha” for its cool climate, is experiencing unusually high heat and humidity this year. From western Odisha to coastal regions, the entire state appears to be reeling under one of the harshest heatwaves of the season.