Bhubaneswar: Amid predictions of continuing heatwave over parts of Odisha for the next three days, cases of suspected heatstroke deaths are on the rise from Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts of the State.

As many as 26 deaths due to suspected heatstroke were reported from the region until reports last came in on Sunday. Of these, 20 alone were from Rourkela in Sundargarh district.

Sources said many of the patients succumbed even before reaching the hospital. Postmortem of others are still underway.

While the advent of SouthWest Monsoons in South India and rains in some parts of the State had marginally eased the scorching heat, the IMD on June 2 predicted that heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in many parts of Odisha for the next three days with orage warning for Bargarh and Balangir districts.

Meanwhile, Director of Public Health Nilakantha Mishra directed Collectors, CDMOs and respective district administrations to stay alert and make necessary arrangements to minimise heatwave-related casualties.