Heat Stroke, Dehydration Kills More Than 200 In Mexico

Mexico has face more than 200 deaths because of the extreme hot temperature that has been experienced in the past four months.

According to a report on AccuWeather, the death toll due to the extreme heat has already increased to 249.

The Ministry of Health said a hundred of fatalities were reported in Nuevo León, 28 in Tamaulipas, 26 in Veracruz, and 26 in Sonora in the period of March 19 to July 22.

On the other hand, the rest of the deaths were recorded in 12 other states.

Based on official records, 92.4% of the deaths was due to heat stroke, while the rest were because of suffering from dehydration.

Further, health authorities said there are a total of 3,169 cases that are associated with extreme natural temperatures.

Cause behind the extreme weather

A CNN report said that aside from southern states in the United States, Mexico has also been enduring the extreme heat in the past months due to a "heat dome."

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a heat dome transpires when the atmosphere traps hot ocean air like a lid or cap.

Experts said that heat domes could be triggered by a strong change or gradient in ocean temperatures from west to east in the tropical Pacific Ocean during the preceding winter.

They noted that as prevailing winds move the hot air towards the eastern direction, the northern shifts of the jet stream trap the air and move it through the land, where it sinks and later results in heat waves.

Last month, a separate CNN report said the Mexican state of Nuevo León was the hardest hit of the extreme hot temperature, with 64 fatalities.

The report disclosed that dozens of deaths have been recorded across various areas, such as Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sonora, and Campeche.

A report on Le Monde also indicated that more than 1,500 people had to be rushed to hospitals due to the high temperatures.

Researcher Graciela Raga pointed out that the drought being experienced by the public in Mexico, as well as the fact that the soils have been extremely dry are the reason why the heat wave is at its worse.

Meanwhile, uthorities said that of the more than 200 deaths, 63% was registered in the "third heat wave" of the four waves expected for 2023.

When checked with the same period last year, officials said the Mexico reported a total of 282 cases, which were associated with extreme natural temperatures as well as 38 deaths nationwide.

Seven of the fatalities were attributed to the third heat wave and were notified late, authorities said.

Precautionary measures vs. heat

Raga expressed belief that what is happening in Mexico is a consequence of the climate change.

Healthcare providers have warned that as the planet warms and more nations have been facing high temperatures and unprecedented levels of heat exposure, medical and healthcare systems need to be proactive.

The Mexican government advised the public to drink at least two liters of bottled, boiled, or disinfected water frequently and avoid too much exposure to the sun.

Officials also recommended the use of appropriate clothing, sunscreen, as well as caps or hats.