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China heatwave claims seven lives

Beijing heatwave
The World Meteorological Organization forecasts cooler weather over the next few days, with showers and temperatures in the low 30's predicted for Beijing  


Staff and wires

BEIJING, China -- Soaring temperatures have killed at least seven people in China as a heatwave sweeps across the country, state media has reported.

According to the China Daily temperatures have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) over the past week.

The southwestern city of Chongqing was the worst hit, reporting five deaths in the excessive heat, according to reports in the Chongqing Economic Daily.

Details of the deaths were unclear, however the paper reported that one man died after leaving a swimming pool.

Over 3,500 people were hospitalized on Monday as the mercury hit 41 degrees Celsius.

The central city of Shijiazhuang recorded the highest temperature in the heatwave on Monday with 43 degrees Celsius.

Dehydrated woman dies

A 19-year-old woman died from dehydration in Hunan province on Sunday, according to the Hongwang news Web site.

In the northern city of Xi'an a 50-year old farmer also reportedly died from the effects of the heat.

The World Meteorological Organization forecasts cooler weather over the next few days, with showers and temperatures in the low 30's predicted for Beijing.

There are also concerns that heatwaves could cause problems for athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which are due to take place during the capital's hottest months of July and August.

The heat effects have worsened in recent years, the China Daily reports, as larger numbers of vehicles fill the crowded city streets, increasing pollution and raising temperatures.



 
 
 
 







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