Heatwave claims 650 lives – and the toll could rise

ThE heatwave has been blamed for causing an extra 650 deaths so far this summer.

And one doctor has warned that the toll could reach thousands.

official statistics show a spike in the number of recorded deaths in England and Wales during June and July, with experts blaming soaring temperatures for many of these.

health officials have warned that the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration, which can cause organ failure.

Preliminary figures from the office for national Statistics show the number of deaths registered during the hottest fortnight were 663 higher than the average for the same time over the past five years. Between June 25 and July 9, temperatures reached 28C (82F) or higher for 15 consecutive days.

Dr nick Scriven, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: ‘heatwaves causing dehydration can lead to many issues, especially in the frail elderly, causing dizziness and falls through to an increased risk of infections, heart attacks and strokes. ‘The other heatrelated issue is air quality can really affect those with respiratory conditions. This would have been much more prevalent in big cities. I would not be surprised if an effect on mortality is shown. In August 2003 there were roughly 2,000 extra deaths attributed to the heatwave and again it was in the over-75s and those in South-East England, mostly London.

‘Temperatures this weekend are going to be even higher than before with even more risks of illness and death and considerable strain on the nhS staff working in often intolerable conditions.’

Yesterday temperatures hit 33C (91F) in parts of the South. Forecasters say the sweltering temperatures will continue over the weekend and into next week.

Mario Cuellar, of Meteogroup, said: ‘It’s going to be muggy at night and people will still find it difficult to sleep. on Saturday it will be a sunny day as high pressure moves in from the West. It will remain very warm, with parts of Kent and East Anglia seeing temperatures of 29C (84F).’

Tomorrow temperatures are expected to reach 31C (88F).

The onS said it could not say if any of the extra deaths were caused by heat or other causes.