16 Unnatural Deaths in Sundargarh Dist, Heatstroke Suspected

Rourkela: There has been a surge in unnatural deaths in the Sundargarh district as mercury soars high. At least 16 unnatural deaths have been reported from the district so far.

Out of these at least a dozen deaths were reported from Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH). Four other deaths occurred in different parts of the district, said health department sources.

Although the exact reason behind the sudden death of these persons is yet to be ascertained, yet the treating doctors suspect that these deaths occurred due to sunstroke or heat stroke. The real reason behind the deaths will be confirmed after autopsy.

A medical committee has been constituted to take stock of the matter.

Heat-related unnatural deaths have also been reported from other parts of Odisha. Unconfirmed reports say as many as 8 in Sambalpur, 7 in Jharsuguda, 6 in Bolangir, and three in other parts of the state have lost their lives due to heatstroke.

The Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrat Sahu spoke with the Sundargarh District Collector about the measures being taken to contain such deaths. Panposh Sub-collector and Assistant District Magistrate have been directed to submit a report following an inquiry.

SRC has also instructed to Collectors of Northern and Southern Division to make strict enforcement of heatwave advisories and appealed to the general public to follow the heatwave precautions.