Deaths spike as heatwave scorches Canada

Hundreds of deaths in Canada’s British Columbia province and in the US states of Washington and Oregon have been linked to a record breaking heatwave scorching the two countries, sending thousands of people scrambling for relief, according to authorities.

Lisa Lapointe, British Columbia’s chief coroner, said on Thursday 486 deaths had been reported in the province between June 25, a period in which about 165 deaths would normally be documented, reports Xinhua news agency.

Deaths were expected to increase, she said.

While it is too early to say with certainty how many of these deaths are heat related, it is believed likely that the significant increase in deaths reported is attributable to the extreme weather British Columbia has experienced.

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