Health officials reported on Friday that England experienced the highest excess fatality rate from heatwaves this year since data have been kept since 2004, following a sweltering summer that saw temperatures reach all-time highs.
This year’s summer heatwaves in England resulted in 2,803 extra fatalities among people 65 and older, potentially as a result of difficulties brought on by the intense heat, according to a statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The data don’t include COVID-19 fatalities.
These figures unmistakably demonstrate that exposure to high temperatures can cause premature death in most susceptible people, according to UKHSA Chief Scientific Officer Isabel Oliver.
“People who are elderly, those who have heart or lung issues, or those who can’t remain cool, such those with learning difficulties or Alzheimer’s disease, are particularly at risk from prolonged hot weather.”
On July 19, eastern England had Britain’s highest temperature ever, which was slightly over 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
According to scientists, climate change has increased the likelihood of the heatwave, which caused flames to spread across wide grassy regions, destroyed property, and put stress on transportation systems, by at least ten times.
According to the UKHSA, between July 17 and July 20, there were almost 1,000 excess deaths among people over 65, and between August 8 and August 17 there were reportedly about 1,458 additional fatalities.
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