NEW Delhi, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The heat wave in East India's Orissa region has claimed the lives of 36 people, the news websiteibnlive.com reported Wednesday.

    With temperature rising over 43 degrees Celsius, there is no respite in sight for the people of Orissa.

    The website reported that Orissa government has already initiated some measures to combat the heat, including changes in working hours for laborers and school timing for children.

    The website quoted the Meteorological department in Orissa as saying that the heat wave will not abate soon.

    In Orissa, the highest temperature was 50.1 degree Celsius recorded in 2003.