WASHINGTON, USA: Heat wave sweeping across United States has resulted in deaths of at least 28 people in the past week, with fears that the toll will continue to rise as reports gathered from state officials, news outlets and medical examiners.
The scorching conditions have shattered records in several states, blanketing the West and affecting cities on the East Coast.
California has borne the brunt of the fatalities, reporting multiple deaths linked to the extreme temperatures. In Santa Clara County alone, 14 deaths are under investigation for potential heat-related causes, primarily affecting elderly individuals and those without adequate shelter. Tragically, incidents have also occurred in unexpected places, including Death Valley National Park and a Central California prison, where a motorcyclist and an inmate succumbed to heat exposure.
Oregon and Arizona have not been spared either. Oregon’s medical examiner has identified ten suspected heat-related deaths, including young adults, amidst unprecedented triple-digit temperatures. In Arizona, a 4-month-old baby tragically passed away from heat-related illness while on Lake Havasu with her family. The East Coast has also experienced record highs, with Raleigh, N.C., reaching 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Maryland reported heat-related deaths during the oppressive heatwave.
Experts warn that the official death toll is likely an underestimate, as heat-related deaths are often misclassified or overlooked, recorded instead as other medical conditions exacerbated by heat. Recent federal data of the US highlights a concerning trend with over 2,300 heat-related deaths recorded in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years.
Amidst the tragic loss of life, there are signs of progress in how heat-related fatalities are reported and addressed. Public awareness and understanding of the dangers of extreme heat are growing, spurred by consecutive years of intense heat waves across the country.
As temperatures continue to soar, authorities urge the public to take precautions, particularly the elderly and vulnerable populations, to avoid further casualties from the relentless heat gripping the nation.
