Deadly Heatwave Intensifies in India, Odisha Broils at Record 48.5ºC

Record-breaking heat claims more lives in eastern India

Mercury rose to a record 48.5ºC in Titlagarh (aka, Titilagarh) in the Indian state of Odisha on Sunday, breaking the town’s highest temperature record  for April set 17 years, said reports.

“Titlagarh had crossed 50 degree Celsius mark in 2003 on June 5 when it posted 50.1 degrees Celsius. Also, for the month of April, it is the highest since 1999 when on April 30 that year the place had registered 48.1 degrees Celsius,” said the director of meteorological center in the state capital Bhubaneswar.

The Odisha government has confirmed at least 88 deaths due to the heatwave across  the state, said a report.

Record or near-record temperatures have also been reported in dozens of towns and cities along the eastern seaboard.

Heatwaves have killed about 300 people in India, so far this year, local media reported.

Meanwhile, bout 45,000 people have been affected by flooding as the first wave of floods inundated more than 1,000 hectares of crops across four districts of Assam, said the state disaster management authority.

Related

• Significant Events – April 23, 2016
•  330 Million People Affected by Severe Drought: Indian Govt  April 20, 2016