Jul 01, 2021

Hundreds of deaths could be linked to Northwest heat wave

Posted Jul 01, 2021 2:03 AM

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The grim toll of the historic heatwave in the Pacific Northwest has become more apparent as authorities in Canada, Washington state and Oregon say they're investigating hundreds of deaths likely caused by extreme temperatures.

British Columbia’s chief coroner said her office received reports of at least 486 “sudden and unexpected deaths” between Friday and Wednesday afternoon.

Normally, she said about 165 people normally would die in the province over a five-day period. She says many of those deaths could be heat-related.

Health officials said more than 60 deaths in Oregon have been tied to the heat, and at least 20 in Washington state.