Extreme Heatwave: Dozens Of Deaths Reported In Canada

Extreme heat wave has brought record temperatures to western Canada and contributed to dozens of deaths.

On Tuesday, thermometers rose to 49.5 degrees Celsius in Lytton, British Columbia, “breaking the daily and all-time temperature records for the third straight day,’’ local weather authorities tweeted.

The figures were, however, preliminary and still subjected to updates.

Canadian media reported that dozens of deaths had been reported during the heat wave.

More than 100 sudden deaths have been reported to the police in British Columbia since Friday, with the extreme heat seen as a contributing cause of death in most cases, broadcaster CBC reported.

In the city of Burnaby, east of Vancouver, more than 25 people died within 24 hours, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said on Tuesday.

The police called on citizens to check on neighbours and especially people at risk, such as the elderly.

“It is imperative we check on one another during this extreme heat,’’ spokesperson Mika Kalanj said.

Several air-conditioned locations were set up in Vancouver for people to find refuge from the heat.

The extreme temperatures were expected to continue in the coming days.