Sambalpur: Sambalpur Sizzles at 42.2°C; Heatwave Intensifies Across Odisha, Officials Rush to Provide Relief

Sambalpur: Sambalpur is shimmering in the intense summer heat. On April 6, the maximum temperature reached 41.7 °C Shortly after the monsoon rains, summer is back with a vengeance.

While Sambalpur recorded 42.2°C yesterday, Bhubaneswar had the highest temperature in the state at 43.6°C. The townspeople struggled all day under the hot sun.

From 8 am itself, the heat was unbearable and only got worse as the day progressed with hot winds blowing. After 10 am, the roads were empty as people avoided going out unless absolutely necessary. Major city streets were empty by 11 a.m. as if under a self-imposed curfew owing to the severe heat.

Sambalpur recorded 40.6°C on the 16th, 41.4°C on the 17th, and 42.2°C yesterday, leaving residents surprised by the strong April heat wave. As temperatures rose, travelers from out of town and people leaving for work struggled around for drinking water. Despite a government initiative to provide water for cattle, the animal husbandry department hasn’t set up any water tanks.

Authorities claim that 22 ‘Amrutdhara’ drinking water kiosks and 50 ‘Jalachhatra’ shelters have been operationalized at major road crossings under the municipal corporation’s control. However, there are concerns that implementation and monitoring are lacking.

Meanwhile, the district health department has a special heat room set up with essential medicines, vented oxygen support, and beds – two outdoor and four indoor at the District hospital, four at each sub-divisional hospital, and two at each of the ten community health centers.

With Lok Sabha polls scheduled on May 25 in Sambalpur, the hot weather poses a risk. As a result, the District Election Office is highlighting the importance of providing drinking water and restrooms at polling booths.