Heatwave Inferno: Over 100 Tragic Deaths Rock Mexico
Mexican Government Data Reveals Over 100 Fatalities as Extreme Heat Grips the Nation
Mexico, June 30, 2023 – Recent data released by the Mexican Health Ministry has unveiled a devastating toll of over 100 lives lost due to extreme heat in the country during the month of June. Rising temperatures, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, have pushed thermometers to record-breaking highs, triggering numerous heatwaves across Latin American nations.
Scientists have identified global warming as a contributing factor intensifying adverse weather patterns, with many regions experiencing unprecedented heatwaves. According to the data disclosed on Wednesday, Mexico recorded more than 1,000 heat-related emergencies between June 12 and 25, of which 104 tragically resulted in fatalities, as reported by AFP.
Previous reports from authorities had already documented eight deaths occurring between April 14 and May 31, thereby bringing the total count to 112 casualties. Heat stroke emerged as the primary cause of death, followed by dehydration, as indicated by the health ministry.
The northern areas of Mexico witnessed a significant number of fatalities, with 64 deaths reported in the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon and 19 in neighboring Tamaulipas, which shares a border with the U.S. state of Texas, also grappling with extreme heat.
The health ministry stated, “This week in the northwestern state of Sonora, Mexico recorded a maximum temperature of 49 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit).” It further noted that average maximum temperatures during the summer in Mexico typically range between 30 and 45 degrees Celsius.
Authorities have issued warnings to the country’s population of 127 million, cautioning about the potential onset of another heatwave scheduled to affect the nation starting on July 1.
In May, the United Nations issued a stark warning, declaring that the years 2023-2027 are poised to become the warmest five-year period ever documented. This prediction comes as a result of the combined impact of greenhouse gases and the El Nino phenomenon, which are contributing to soaring temperatures worldwide.
