Heat wave toll rises to 17 in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR - Two middle-aged men have died of sunstroke in Orissa, taking the toll from heat wave to 17, an official said Tuesday.

The Kendrapada district administration confirmed two deaths Tuesday, the state revenue control room said.

A control room official said that Laxmidhar Nayak, 45, of Patkura village died April 13 and Natabara Mahalik, 48, of Gotanai village on April 6.

Of the 17 deaths, 10 were reported in April and the rest in March.

Sporadic rainfall in parts of Orissa over the past two days has, however, brought some respite to residents.