Canada heatwave 2021: Over 200 dead as temperatures reach almost 50C in British Columbia – World News

By admin On Jun 30, 2021

More than 200 people have died in the Canadian province of British Columbia after temperatures hit a record high of 46.6C.

Officials said on Tuesday the region suffered nearly double the average deaths during the past four days of “extreme heat”.

Lytton, a town in central British Columbia roughly 200km (124 miles) north of Vancouver, reported a temperature of 46.6C (115.88 degrees F) on Sunday.

At least 233 people died in the West coast province between Friday and Monday.

This is about 100 more than the average for a four-day period, and the number was expected to rise as more reports were filed, officials said.

People head to Alouette Lake to cool off
(Image: REUTERS)

“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,” BC Coroners Service said on Monday.

Coroners are now gathering information to determine the cause and manner of deaths and whether heat played a role, the statement said.

A German Pincer cools off in a fountain
(Image: REUTERS)

Environmental heat exposure can lead to severe or fatal results, particularly in older people, infants and young children and those with chronic illnesses, Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a statement.

British Columbia closed schools and universities on Monday as temperatures soared.

Canada is widely known for its brutal winter and snows, and prior to the weekend the historical high in Canada was 45 degrees C, set in Saskatchewan in 1937, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

A man cools off at a misting station during the scorching weather — A man at a misting station during the scorching weather
(Image: REUTERS)

The heatwave in the Pacific Northwest, which is more accustomed to long bouts of rain than sun, resulted from a high pressure system that wasn’t moving, said Greg Flato, a senior research scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada based in Victoria.

In some areas tarmac on roads has buckled and ruptured due to the hot weather. Train cables have also melted as the temperatures reach incredible highs, the Independent reports.

People in the US and Canada have been warned to take care due to the “dangerous” heat that will be around for the coming days.

Environment Canada said Alberta, and parts of Saskatchewan, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, should also be prepared for the heat.