Bhubaneswar: In view of increasing number of deaths due to sunstroke in Odisha, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has issued an advisory for the general public of the state.

As most of the places in the interior and western part of Odisha have been recording the day temperatures above 40 degree C in the last 2-3 days resulting in over 40 deaths reportedly caused by extreme hot and humid weather conditions, SRC Satyabrata Sahu expressed concerned over fatalities.

Here's the advisory released for the public:

• Heat is a major health concern for the general public exposed to it and vulnerable people (viz: infant, elderly, pregnant women and sick people).
• It is advised to public to take precautionary measures for hot weather while going outside during peak hours of the day (around 11.00 AM -3.00 PM).
• Avoid prolonged heat exposure.
• Wear light weight, light coloured, loose, cotton clothes.
• Cover your head, use a wet cloth, hat or umbrella while going out during peak hours.
• Drink sufficient water even if not feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration.
• Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), sugarcane juice, lemon water, buttermilk, etc. to re-hydrate the body.
• Caution workers to avoid direct sunlight during the peak hours.
• Schedule strenuous jobs to cooler times of the day.
• Increasing the frequency and length of rest breaks for outdoor activities.
• Pregnant workers and workers with a medical condition should be given additional attention.
• Please do miking advising people on heat wave precautions. Keep hospitals in readiness. Advise no work during 11.00 AM to 3.00 PM.
• Ask all buses to carry drinking water, ORS and ice cubes with them. Ask people to use shoes, chappals and umbrella and carry water and all other measures.

As of now, Odisha Government has confirmed 5 sunstroke deaths (Balasore-1, Dhenkanal-1, Mayurbhanj-1, Sonepur-1 and Balangir-1).

While Sundargarh reported alleged sunstroke death of 12 cases, 6 cases were reported from Jharsuguda district. The post-mortem is being conducted after that cause of the death shall be ascertained, SRC said.