China Grapples with Deadly Heatwaves and Rising Temperatures

Extreme heatwaves have struck China's eastern and southern regions, causing at least two deaths due to heat-stroke. With temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, emergency services are overwhelmed, particularly in densely populated cities like Shenzhen. Historical highs and alarming mortality rates indicate worsening climate-related health crises.

China's eastern and southern regions are enduring severe heatwaves, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). So far, at least two deaths from heat-stroke have been reported, alongside numerous heat-related illnesses.

Emergency services in Shenzhen, a city with 18 million people, have been overwhelmed with emergency calls due to heat-related issues. The provincial capital of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, recorded a historical high temperature of 41.9C on August 3.

China's Ministry of Emergency Management announced that 554 people died or went missing in 2022 due to natural disasters, with heat wave-related mortality estimated at 50,900 deaths, per a report in The Lancet. This underscores the growing public health and climate crisis in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)