Odisha reported its second sun-stroke death on Monday even as the weatherman warned that the heatwave sweeping the state will continue for another week.

The second sun stroke casualty was reported from Dhenkanal. The first death was reported from the Balasore district. To deal with the heatstroke cases, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, has established a dedicated heat stroke unit.

According to the health department officials, so far 257 persons have been admitted to hospitals due to sun-stroke-related cases. The maximum number hospitalised due to heat-related cases were in Sundergarh.

The soaring mercury and rising humidity have hit the campaign of all the parties
severely. However, it has failed to dampen the spirit of leaders. With a few days left for the election, the campaign picked up. Baripada, the district headquarters of Mayurbhanj district, recorded the highest-ever temperature, registering a temperature of 44.8°C. Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 41.3°C.

The IMD has issued red warnings for districts like Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Angul, Cuttack and Nayagarh districts.

“There will be no major change in the maximum temperature for the next three to four days,” said the IMD.