Heatwave blamed for killing 1,000 Brits with summer more deadly than 1976
THE scorching heatwave has been blamed for killing 1,000 more Brits in the worst summer death toll “tragedy” for 15 years.
By Paul Harper
DailyStar.co.uk
6th August 2018
A total of 995 people more than the average number have died since the start of summer – even worse worse than during the blistering one in 1976.
Deaths were up in all seven weeks from June 2 to July 20, which saw highs up to 35C, according to the Office for National Statistics figures for England and Wales.
Many victims this summer have been elderly – but health chiefs said they were “extra” deaths caused by excessive heat.
Pensioners groups said the death toll is a “tragedy”.
With more extreme heat forecast in August, they have warned of the worst excess summer deaths total since 2003, when 2,139 Brits died due to the record 38.5C heatwave based on figures from the Department of Health.
National Federation of Occupational Pensioners chief executive Malcolm Booth said: “This summer’s deaths totals are terrible figures and a tragedy for families affected.
“It’s the extreme heat which is killing people.
“This summer risks excess deaths approaching the very high figures seen in 2003.”
Public Health England’s Heatwave Plan for England said: “There is strong evidence that excess summer deaths are indeed extra and are the result of heat-related conditions.”
A Government Level 2 alert put hospitals on alert for an increase in admissions and ordered health and social workers to prepare to make daily contact with the ill, vulnerable and elderly.
Summer is hotter than 1976, Met Office figures show.
July’s average UK maximum temperature was 22.5C, hotter than 1976’s 21.
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