(CNN) More than 230 deaths have been reported in British Columbia since Friday as a historic heat wave brought record-high temperatures, officials said Tuesday. The province's chief coroner called it an "unprecedented time."
"Since the onset of the heat wave 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.
The coroner's service normally receives about 130 death reports over a four-day period. From Friday through Monday, at least 233 deaths were reported, the chief coroner said, adding "this number will increase as data continues to be updated."
Coroners are now gathering information to determine the cause and manner of deaths and whether heat played a role, the statement said.
"Environmental heat exposure can lead to severe or fatal results, particularly in older people, infants and young children and those with chronic illnesses," the statement added.
nirataro on June 30th, 2021 at 12:41 UTC »
I live in Cairo and it blows my mind that Canada right now is hotter than Egypt.
Limberine on June 30th, 2021 at 12:20 UTC »
Do not leave any living thing in a car during the day, dogs, kids, not even for very short periods of time. It can go bad real fast.
If you’re overheating get in the bath and stay there. Not a cold bath just between cool and warm and drink. Stay there on and off til you’re ok or work out your next step.
EndPsychological890 on June 30th, 2021 at 06:29 UTC »
I'm in Spokane visiting my sister and 2 crows have fallen out of the tree a bunch roost in panting on the ground with their mouths wide open. Sprayed them down real well, dripped water into their mouths and set them on branches we could reach. Poor guys.