Over 230 death has been reported in British Columbia as a historic heatwave due to high temperature according to officials on Tuesday.
According to CNN, in the statement received from the province’s chief coroner, it is said to be an “unprecedented time.”
In the statement, the heatwave which started on Friday total death of 230 have been reported and the number may increase.
“Since the onset of the heatwave late last week, the BC Coroners Service has experienced a significant increase in deaths reported where it is suspected that extreme heat has been contributory,” Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a statement.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
According to reports, normally the coroner’s service does receive about 130 death reports over four days. Between Friday through Monday, at least 233 deaths were reported. The chief coroner also added that “this number will increase as data continues to be updated.”
On whether the heatwave contributed to the spike in death rate the statement read
“Environmental heat exposure can lead to severe or fatal results, particularly in older people, infants and young children and those with chronic illnesses.”
Meanwhile, in Vancouver sudden spike in deaths has been reported by the authorities including in the nearby city of Burnaby and Surrey.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
It was gathered that there has been more than 65 sudden death since the heatwave started on Friday. Vancouver police department on Tuesday said, “Today alone, officers had responded to 20 sudden deaths as of 1:45 p.m., with more than a dozen others waiting for police to be dispatched.”
It was also reported that the heat-related deaths have depleted front-line resources and severely delayed response times, officials said.
In a media conference, Sgt. Steve Addison said, “We’ve never experienced anything like this heat in Vancouver.”
In downtown Vancouver as of Saturday, the heat record was 98.6 degrees, 99.5 on Sunday and 101.5 on Monday.
Media relations officer, Cst. sarbjit K. Sangha told CNN that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have responded to 35 sudden deaths in Surrey since Monday
“While the causes of death have not yet been determined in each of these cases, we can confirm that Surrey RCMP is responding to a higher than the usual number of deaths since the beginning of the extreme weather conditions,” Sangha said.
Also in the city of Burnaby, the police have received more than 34 sudden death calls since Monday, and it is believed that heat is a major contributing factor to the sudden spike in deaths says the RCMP.
“We are seeing this weather can be deadly for vulnerable members of our community, especially the elderly and those with underlying health issues. It is imperative we check on one another during this extreme heat,” Cpl. Mike Kalanj with Burnaby RCMP said.
Most of the deceased are senior citizens said the RCMP. The police urge the locals to check on their loved ones and neighbours as heatwave high temperature in the region continues.
In Surrey, RCMP is encouraging all residents, especially the elderly ones, to take precautions to protect themselves from heat injuries.
Meanwhile, in Lytton, British Columbia, the readings were 117.5 degrees on Monday making it the highest temperature ever recorded in Canada and around 48 degrees which are above normal for this time of the year.
Eyewitness or have a story to share? Submit your stories now via:
WhatsApp or
Email: rainsmedia59@gmail.com
Discover more from RainSMediaRadio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
