Over 200 dead as record-breaking heatwave grips Canada, US; temperatures soar to 49.5°C

Officials said the Canadian province of British Columbia suffered nearly double the average deaths as temperatures hit a record high of 49.5°C during the past four days of “extreme heat”. In a statement, Canadian officials said at least 233 deaths were recorded between Friday and Monday.

More than 200 people have died in Canada since Friday as temperatures hit a record high of 49.1°C in the past four days. These deaths in Vancouver area are likely linked to a grueling heat wave amid scorching conditions that have extended to the US Pacific Northwest. Officials told Reuters that at least 233 people died in the West coast province of British Columbia between Friday and Monday, about 100 more than the average for a four-day period. They added that the number was expected to rise as more reports were filed.