Monday, May 4, 2009

Heat wave death toll hits 25

The Statesman, May 4, 2009

BHUBANESWAR, May 3: Severe heat wave conditions claimed two in Kandhamal and one in Rayagada district today, bringing the official death toll up to 25, although the actual number of mortalities may be much higher.
Official sources maintain that at least 30 of those being described as 'heat wave-related deaths' were due to other ailments, while 39 other instances are being cross checked. "Till date, we have confirmation of only 25 heat-related deaths," said officials here.
Most parts of western and southern Orissa continue to reel under temperatures of over 40 degree Celsius. The coastal belt had some respite with the mercury dipping to 37 degrees and a breeze providing some comfort.
Water scarcity has made matters worse for people across the state. Ground water sources have dried up and pipe water supply is erratic. Even in parts of the state capital Bhubaneswar, people close to the CM Mr Naveen Patnaik’s residence said that wells had dried up and commercial establishments were buying water as the bore wells had stopped functioning.
Angul, Talcher, and the entire coal belt have turned into a furnace. Most parts of western Orissa recorded 42 degree Celsius and above for over a week now.
In mid-April, the temperature in western Orissa was 40-43 degree Celsius starting from Deogarh to Kalahandi. Thereafter, there was rise in temperature across the state, and on April 21, Orissa crossed the 45 degree Celsius mark. The average temperature on this day was 45 degree Celsius with Sambalpur at 45.3, Jharsuguda at 45.3, Balangir at 45.4, Bargarh at 44.6, Titlagarh at 44.2, Sonepur at 44.5, Steel City Rourkela at 43.6, Kalahandi at 43.5, Deogarh at 43 and Nuapara at 43.
Common people and experts in Sambalpur attribute the rise in temperature to rapid industrialisation and loss of forest both by industries and Mafias. “First of all, the balance between trees and industry is never maintained,” said Prof. Artabandhu Mishra, an environmentalist. "The ground water level in these areas also influences temperature. This is decreasing drastically and no efforts are being made to improve it," he opined.
Reports from Kandhamal district today said two persons, both working in the agriculture department, died of sunstroke.
In Rayagada district, one Ganapati Sahu of Godiakhal under Gunupur sub-division died of heatstroke while returning home this afternoon. The case was enquired into and confirmed by SDMO Gunupur and Tahasildar Gunupur.
Gunupur, Ambadola, Muniguda and Bissamcuttack have recorded over 42 degree Celsius over the last week.
People prefer to remain indoors during the daytime. Kashipur, which used to be cool even during summer months, is now feeling the impact of climate change. The humidity level is 89 per cent, said a report from Rayagada district.
The CDMO Raygada said in every PHC and CHC there is one AC room equipped with two beds attended by an ANM from 11 to 8 p.m. with ice packs, cold water, paracetamol injections and other necessary medicines. All the doctors of CHC and PHCs have been asked to remain alert to provide quick medical care.

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