Authorities in Canada’s British Columbia believe that a significant increase in deaths in the area can be attributed to the historic heat wave. More than 230 deaths have been reported in Canada’s westernmost province since Friday, CNN reports. 

British Columbia’s chief coroner said that the heat wave has brought an ‘unprecedented time’. Canada broke its temperature record for a third straight day, as it recorded 49.6C (121.3F) in Lytton, British Columbia on Tuesday, BBC reported. 

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“Since the onset of the heat wave 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,” Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said as per CNN. 

The coroner added that 130 deaths were reported over a four-day period during a heat wave but at least 233 people have died from Friday through Monday. The chief coroner said that the number is expected to increase, CNN reported. 

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The cause of the deaths has not been determined yet. Coroners are collecting data to find if the heat played a role. 

“Environmental heat exposure can lead to severe or fatal results, particularly in older people, infants and young children and those with chronic illnesses,” Lapointe added.

Cities in the United States like Portland and Seattle have also broken all-time records but numbers in British Columbia are concerning, Washington Post reported. 

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In Vancouver, officers responded to more than 65  sudden deaths since the beginning of the heat wave.  “Today alone, officers had responded to 20 sudden deaths as of 1:45 PM, with more than a dozen others waiting for police to be dispatched,” CNN quoted Vancouver’s police department. 

“We’ve never experienced anything like this heat in Vancouver,” media relations Officer Sgt. Steve Addison said during a press conference as per CNN.