MEXICO CITY: The Mexican government has revealed that more than 100 people have lost their lives due to the scorching heatwave gripping the country in June. With temperatures reaching record highs, Mexico is experiencing the devastating effects of climate change, mirroring the impact felt across Latin American nations.
As scientists attribute adverse weather events to global warming, Mexico is grappling with the consequences. Data released on Wednesday by the Mexican Health Ministry indicated that between June 12 and 25, over 1,000 heat-related emergencies were reported, resulting in 104 fatalities. This figure adds to the eight deaths previously recorded between April 14 and May 31, bringing the total to 112.
The primary cause of death was identified as heat stroke, followed by dehydration, according to the health ministry. The northern regions of Mexico bore the brunt of the fatalities, with 64 deaths recorded in the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon and 19 in the neighboring state of Tamaulipas, which shares a border with the US state of Texas, also experiencing extreme heat.
Record Temperature in Mexico
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the health ministry noted, “In Mexico, a maximum temperature of 49 degrees Celsius [120 Fahrenheit] was recorded this week in the northwestern state of Sonora.” It further mentioned that average maximum temperatures during the summer in Mexico typically fluctuate between 30 and 45 degrees Celsius.
Authorities are warning the country’s population of 127 million to brace for another heatwave that is expected to impact the nation starting on July 1. With the United Nations already issuing a warning in May, predicting the warmest five-year period ever recorded between 2023 and 2027, Mexico faces the urgent need to address greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the intensifying effects of climate change.
