More than 230 dead in British Columbia as heatwave shatters records – “Dubai would be cooler than what we’re seeing now”
By Sarah Moon, Jon Passantino, and Rebekah Riess
29 June 2021
(CNN) – “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.
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
Heat-related deaths have depleted front-line resources and severely delayed response times, officials said.
“We’ve never experienced anything like this heat in Vancouver,” media relations officer Sgt. Steve Addison said during a press conference. [more]
British Columbia reports 230+ deaths during heat wave
Canada weather: Dozens dead as heatwave shatters records
29 June 2021 (BBC) – Dozens have died in Canada as temperatures across the southern Pacific Northwest continue to smash records.
Police in British Columbia say they have responded to over 60 sudden deaths since Monday, including many seniors.
They said the heatwave affecting the region was a contributing factor to the fatalities.
Temperatures in Lytton, British Columbia, soared to 47.9C (118.2F) on Monday, up from 46.6C (116F) on Sunday.
Before this week, temperatures in Canada had never passed 45C (113F).
“Check on your neighbours, check on family members, check on seniors you may know,” said Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cpl Mike Kalanj, based in the Vancouver suburb of Burnaby.
“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.”
Temperatures in the US cities of Portland and Seattle have reached the highest levels since record-keeping began in the 1940s.
Portland in Oregon hit 46.1C (115F) and Seattle 42.2C (108F), according to the US National Weather Service. The heat is intense enough to melt cables, shutting down the Portland Streetcar Service on Sunday. […]
Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, along with areas of Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and a section of Yukon.
“We are the second coldest country in the world and the snowiest,” said David Phillips, a senior climatologist for Environment Canada.
“We often see cold snaps and blizzards but not often do we talk about hot weather like this,” he said. “Dubai would be cooler than what we’re seeing now.” [more]
