63 people die of heatwave in Oregon

45 of the 63 died in Multnomah County, which includes Portland, alone.

Photo: KATHRYN ELSESSER/AFP via Getty Images

At least 63 Oregon residents have been killed so far due to the heatwave in the region that begun last Friday. 45 of the 63 died in Multnomah County, which includes Portland, alone.

Marion saw the second-highest death toll with nine. Washington saw five fatalities. Clackamas saw two, and Columbia and Umatilla each saw one.

President Joe Biden said that people need to check on their neighbors, especially seniors to see if they are okay.

"We need people to check on their neighbors, especially seniors who may need a helping hand," he said Wednesday during a meeting with state and local leaders on the Western drought. "Outdoor laborers like our farmers and construction workers are going to need frequent water breaks and shade."

Some of the victims were found alone in homes without air condition or fans, the Portland-based KOIN reported.

Many of the deaths are caused due to hyperthermia, sudden rise in body temperature.

More than 1,000 people across the Pacific Northwest have been hospitalized in a brutal heat wave that has scorched the West Coast for more than a week. Temperatures have repeatedly hovered well above 100.

The heat and lack of humidity have also raised wildfire concerns in a region prone to outbreaks.

Publish : 2021-07-01 09:09:00

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