(Asian News Hub) – More than 230 deaths have been reported in British Columbia since Friday as a historic heat wave brought record-high temperature. The province’s chief coroner called it an “unprecedented time” CNN reported.
“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.
Authorities earlier in the day reported a spike in sudden deaths for Vancouver and nearby Burnaby and Surrey.
Officers have responded to more than 65 sudden deaths since the heat wave began on Friday, Vancouver police 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,” the department said in a statement cited by CNN.
