Bhubaneswar, May 26: In view of extreme heat wave conditions prevailing in the state, the regional meteorological department has issued "red box" warning for May 26, 27 and 28.
A red box warning is usually issued in case of high chances of heatstroke, dehydration and fatality with temperatures reaching more than 45°C - which is further aggravated by a constant dry and torrid wind.
The heat wave conditions continued to take a toll on daily activities at several places across the state. Though temperature dipped significantly in the coastal districts, the heat wave continued to persist in west and interior Odisha.
While the mercury remained above 40°C at 11 places today, the temperature crossed the 45°C mark at eight places. Titilagarh was the hottest place at 47.6°C - the highest temperature for the place in May in the past one decade.
It was followed by Hirakud, which sizzled at 46.4°C.
Similarly, Sambalpur and Balangir recorded a temperature of 46.4°C and 46°C, respectively.
However, residents of Bhubaneswar heaved a sigh of relief as the temperature remained at 39.8°C, five degrees less than that of Monday.
A Met department official said decrease in the temperature in the coastal part was due to cloud formation.
"When the temperature remains on the higher side, the vapour-containing capacity of atmosphere increases. Besides, the breeze coming from the Bay of Bengal also contained some vapour. These conditions help in formation of cloud, thus lowering the temperature," said director of meteorological centre (Bhubaneswar) Sarat Chandra Sahu.
Weathermen forecast that the extreme heat wave conditions would last till the end of this month. "While the temperature in coastal Odisha would start declining from the beginning of June, in other areas, it would start declining from June 3," said Sahu. He also said that light rain or thundershower might occur at one or two places in the coastal part in the next 24 hours.
With the heat wave persisting, several deaths were reported across the state. The office of Special Relief Commissioner has so far received reports of 67 deaths during this summer.
"Out of the 67 cases we have received so far, inquiry is over in 11 cases, and we have found that only four deaths have taken place due to sunstroke," said special relief commissioner G.V.V. Sharma.
DO THE RIGHT THINGS TO BEAT THE HEAT
On May 22, 1972 Bhubaneswar had experienced 46.6°C. Though yesterday’s temperature of 45.4°C was over a degree less than the all-time record, citizens here are already feeling like living in a furnace. The Indian Meteorological Department prediction of hotter days to continue is giving them no relief. The Telegraph speaks to experts on how to brave the tough weather conditions
Skip the sun
♦ Stay away from direct heat and plan your day accordingly
♦ Venture out when necessary and avoid the time preferably between 11am and 3pm
♦ Take extra care for kids and elderly, as they are vulnerable
♦ If a person faints do not panic, treat him/her with water and oral rehydration salts (ORS) and if needed rush to a nearby health-care facility
Take more water with ORS so that the electrolytic balance of sodium and potassium is maintained properly in the body
Samir Sahu
Critical care and pulmonology expert
Keep kids cool
♦ For kids feeling restless, give them tap water bath every six hours
♦ They should wear loose clothes and summer glasses to keep body cool and eyes protected from bright-light injury
♦ Cold water causes tonsillitis is a myth, so its scientific that cool gut also cools down the body
♦ Feed kids traditional pakhal as it has right mixture of rice, water, salt and lemon drops
For kids, traditional food should be given preference over fast and rich food, as these often cause problem in summer
Arabinda Mohanty
Paediatrician
Less of play
♦ Muscle cramp is common in extreme heat conditions, so avoid exercise or sports from 11am to 4pm
♦ Use white clothes and never leave any area of the body uncovered, as exposure to sun increases chances of illness
♦ Always carry water bottles and ORS packets to avoid dehydration
Covering the entire body during summer is vital. Wearing shoes and white clothes for sporting activities should be followed
Paresh Chandra Dey
Sports medicine expert and orthopaedic surgeon
The right choice
♦ Avoid exotic varieties, but rely on pineapple, watermelon and mango for their ample water content
♦ Have salads, green vegetables such as cucumber for water and other micronutrients.
♦ Have fresh curd in plenty as it contains good amount of valuable beneficial bacteria
For better electrolytic balance one should take green coconut water and sugarcane juice. But, while taking sugarcane juice, one should be cautious about its hygiene else it may cause jaundice
Guruprasad Das
Nutritionist
