Shocking Heatwave Deaths in Odisha: What You Need to Know

Heatwave Casualties in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On this Environment Day, many may be surprised to discover the toll of heatwaves in Odisha during 2024.

While various media reported over 100 suspected heatwave-related fatalities in the state last year, an RTI inquiry revealed that the confirmed count was actually 58.

Data from the Special Relief Commissioner's office indicates that Sundargarh district recorded the highest number of heatwave deaths, totaling 11.

Bolangir followed with 10 deaths, while Subarnapur had six. Bargarh and Sambalpur each reported five fatalities, Jharsuguda had four, and Mayurbhanj recorded three.

Additionally, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Khurda, and Nuapada each reported two deaths.

Angul, Balasore, Koraput, and Puri had one heatwave-related death each.

Screenshot of RTI response from SRC, Odisha (Credit- Media House)

Across India, over 48,000 cases of heatstroke and 159 heat-related deaths were reported last year, marking one of the most severe heatwaves since 2010. Odisha was notably one of the hardest-hit states, with experts suggesting that the actual numbers could be significantly higher due to underreporting and data collection issues.

Understanding the Crisis

The heatwave deaths in Odisha were primarily concentrated between April and early June, with no significant fatalities reported outside this timeframe. The state faced unprecedented heat, with many areas experiencing temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius for prolonged periods.

The timing of the general elections in India, which occurred in April and May 2024, coincided with the peak of the heatwave. Many polling officers, security personnel, and voters, particularly the elderly, were exposed to extreme conditions while performing their duties, leading to tragic outcomes for outdoor workers and those with pre-existing health issues.

Rising Vulnerability to Heat

Experts have raised alarms about India's increasing susceptibility to extreme heat, with recent studies underscoring the escalating risks associated with climate change.

A report from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) indicates that approximately 57% of Indian districts, housing around 76% of the population, are at 'high' to 'very high' risk of heat exposure.

Pic- CEEW

The study also noted that the frequency of very warm nights has risen more rapidly than that of extremely hot days over the last decade, indicating a worrying trend.

Future Heatwave Projections

A recent report from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) predicts a 70% likelihood that global average temperatures from 2025 to 2029 will surpass 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a significant increase from previous estimates.

Health experts warn that outdoor workers, pregnant women, the elderly, children, and individuals with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat stress.

The World Health Organisation estimates that over 166,000 deaths occurred due to heatwaves between 1998 and 2017. World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for environmental protection and climate action.