JHARSUGUDA: Jharsuguda continued to boil for the second day on Thursday as the temperature stood at 42.8 degree Celsius. On Wednesday, it was 43.
While the rising mercury hit normal life in both Jharsuguda town and rural areas, frequent, unscheduled power cuts have only added to the problem.
According to Wesco officials, power demand in Jharsuguda and Brajrajnagar divisions is about 32 MW and 45 MW per day, the available supply is only 25 MW and 30 MW respectively during peak hours.
On the other hand, sale of fruit juices, ice-creams and electronic appliances like fridges and air-conditioners have gone up.
Chief District Medical Officer Damayanti Sahoo said a dedicated control room has been opened at the District Headquarters Hospital to attend to patients, who are suffering from heatstroke. A special air-conditioned room has been opened in the hospital to deal with the patients.