Vancouver records dozens more heat-related deaths
Posted June 30, 2021 12:10 pm.
Last Updated June 30, 2021 1:02 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Vancouver police say officers have responded to a total of 98 sudden deaths since Friday, 53 of which happened on Tuesday alone.
Police say two-thirds of the victims were 70 years of age or older.
We’re saddened to see the toll the heatwave has taken on the community. 53 sudden deaths were reported to VPD on Tuesday. Since Friday, police in Vancouver have responded to 98 sudden deaths. 2/3 of the victims are 70 years or older. #BCHeatWave pic.twitter.com/RqUB7Napfj
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) June 30, 2021
On Tuesday, Chief Coroner Lisa LaPointe said about 100 more people died than usual between Friday and Monday, as temperatures rose into the 40s. She had expected the number to climb.
“Since the onset of the heatwave late last week, the BC Coroners Service has experienced a significant increase in deaths reported where it is suspected that extreme heat has been contributory,” reads a statement from the Service.
“This number will increase as data continues to be updated. Coroners are carefully gathering all information available for each death reported, to determine the cause and manner of death, and whether excessive heat played a role.”
LaPointe says older people, babies, young children, and people with medical conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Police across Metro Vancouver are urging everyone to check on their neighbours and loved ones, confirming they continue to be called to dozens of sudden deaths.
On Tuesday, Burnaby RCMP said officers responded to more than 30 deaths since the previous day, many of them seniors. Investigators believe heat was a factor in many of the deaths.
Surrey responded to 22 deaths on Monday and more than a dozen on Tuesday. There were nine deaths in a 24-hour period in Delta.
Monday was the hottest in this heatwave, with temperatures in many areas of the Lower Mainland feeling like they were in the 40s.
Click here to find cooling centres across the region.
With files from Sonia Aslam and Lisa Steacy
