Bhubaneswar, May 13: The searing heat continued to beat down on several parts of the state despite a thunder squall that wreaked havoc in two districts.

The thunder squall, accompanied by hail and gusty surface winds, rendered hundreds homeless in Balangir and Rayagada districts in the afternoon. Two persons have reportedly died after walls of their houses collapsed at Agalpur in Balangir district, about 400km from here<>. The thunder squall uprooted trees and walls of many thatched houses collapsed at Kalyansinghpur in Rayagada. The wind swept through the two districts, pulling down electricity and mobile towers, trees and sheds.

The day temperature remained above 40°C in more than 14 towns. In other places, it was around 40 °C, creating unease in most parts of the state. The temperature in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack was recorded at 39.2°C.

Central and west Odisha witnessed temperatures above 42°C with Titilagarh in Balangir district recording the highest temperature with 44.5°C. It was closely followed by Balangir and Hirakud, where the mercury touched 44°C and 43.6°C, respectively.

Roads in many parts of the state bore deserted looks after 11am and continued till 4.30pm. While shopping malls in the twin cities remained open during the day, roadside business establishments downed shutters. "With the mercury soaring, it has become difficult for us to go out and it's better to stay inside," said Sandeep Das, 38, a resident of Pokhariput. He added that staying at home without air conditioners was also of no use in this heat. "My electricity bill for April has hit Rs 3,000," Das said.

In a related development, the state government today said it had received complaints of 35 deaths, allegedly caused by sunstroke, so far. The highest number of deaths has been reported from Angul district. However, the state government has confirmed that only five persons have died of sunstroke. It has also started an inquiry to ascertain whether the deaths were because of sunstroke or caused by other reasons.

The Bhubaneswar met centre today issued strong surface wind warnings at places over Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhad-rak and other parts.