The Brazilian national weather service announced that record temperatures in Rio de Janeiro, which is the worst in half a decade, has killed at least 32 people as temperatures are reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and at some moments feeling like 50 degrees Celsius, according to
Press TV.
Majority of the victims who perished on Monday and Tuesday were between the ages of 65 and 90, while 17 died in their homes and 15 died at health centers, reports the
Latin American Herald Tribune.
There were at least 220 telephone calls received by emergency services for help during the past two days. The Brazilian government also announced that since the heat wave began, electricity consumption around the country has reached historic highs.
Meteorologist Giovanni Dolif explained, reports
AFP, that the city’s temperatures are worse than being in a dry desert because the seaside humidity gives the temperature a suffocating boost, “The heat wave in Rio is seen as historic. February right now is the hottest month for the past 50 years.”
Many residents in the area are going to the beaches at night to seek a cool breeze but doctors are recommending others to take cold showers and to drink a lot of liquids to avoid the risks of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Meteorologists are expecting the heat wave to continue into the weekend.
