The Odisha government has issued a directive to all district collectors to implement precautionary measures in anticipation of heatwave conditions predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In a letter dated Wednesday, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu informed the collectors that maximum daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in many interior districts. Additionally, coastal Odisha is likely to experience temperatures 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal.

With hot and humid conditions expected to persist over coastal areas this week, the SRC has instructed district collectors to ensure basic health facilities are prepared to address heat-related issues. This includes reviewing provisions at community health centres, primary healthcare centres, and sub-divisional and district headquarters hospitals.

The government emphasizes the importance of readiness to protect the public from the adverse effects of the predicted heatwave.

For more updates and guidelines, the SRC’s office remains in communication with district authorities.