MEXICO CITY: A devastating heatwave has swept across Mexico, claiming the lives of eight individuals and prompting the government to take immediate action. The scorching temperatures, which reached a record high of 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) in the capital city, Mexico City, have left communities grappling with the adverse effects of extreme heat.
The Mexican Ministry of Health confirmed that seven of the victims succumbed to heatstroke, while one tragically died due to dehydration. These fatalities occurred between April 14 and June 12, during the country’s third heatwave since mid-April.
Monterrey, a city in northeastern Mexico, experienced even more extreme conditions, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. The heatwave’s impact was further exacerbated by reduced water pressure in homes, leading to increased demand for electricity, including air conditioning, resulting in power cuts.
Wendy Tijerina, a resident of Monterrey, highlighted the intensity of the heatwave, particularly in the city’s industrial zone. She expressed the challenges faced by families, such as the lack of water for bathing or using fans due to frequent power outages. Tijerina emphasized the importance of staying hydrated to mitigate the risks of heatstroke.
Mexico Authorities Taking Measures
To safeguard the well-being of its citizens, the government of Nuevo Leon state, where Monterrey is located, has implemented measures to combat the extreme heat. One such measure includes limiting school hours for children to just two hours a day to minimize their exposure to the sun.
This recent heatwave follows last year’s drought emergency declaration in several regions of Mexico, as a combination of intense heat and insufficient rainfall depleted reservoirs. Some cities, including Monterrey, experienced water scarcity, with households only allowed access to running water for a few hours each day for several weeks.
