According to new data released by the BC Coroners Service, record-breaking temperatures this past summer resulted in the deaths of 595 British Columbians.
Between June 25th and July 1st, a heat-dome weather event swept over the province, resulting in numerous new high temperature records.
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According to the BC Coroners Service, this heat-dome caused a record-breaking number of heat-related deaths during this time.
At least 526 deaths occurred during the short time period, with the others taking place in the days and weeks following the record breaking temperatures.
“The BC Coroners Service is committed to gathering as much information as possible about each of these deaths to inform future, evidence-based prevention efforts” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner.
“I extend my sincere condolences to all of those who lost a loved one as a result of last summer’s unprecedented heat dome. By identifying patterns and factors in the tragic deaths that occurred unexpectedly last summer, our province will be in a better position to prevent future similar tragedies.”
According to the data presented by the BC Coroners Service, nearly three-quarters of the deaths recorded during the heat dome occurred in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authority regions.
On Vancouver Island, 97 deaths occurred during the week of June 25th to July 1st.
The five-year average for the area is 41.6 deaths over the same seven-day period.
Sixty nine percent of deaths recorded in the province were aged seventy or older. No heat-related deaths were recorded among children.
According to the data, ninety six percent of heat-related injuries occurred in a residential setting.
The BC Coroners Service will have completed investigations into the 595 individual heat-related deaths by early 2022.
Once investigations have been completed, a panel will review the results to create recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future.
The findings of the panel are expected to be released publicly in late Spring 2022.
“While we expect the findings of the death review will significantly contribute to efforts to increase public safety, we must take steps to prepare for future extreme weather events now,” Lapointe said.
“The effects of climate change are both real and unpredictable. Having a plan to regularly check in with loved ones who live alone, being aware of cooler and air-conditioned areas in your neighbourhood, and heeding early warnings about extreme weather are simple steps that will help ensure we are all properly prepared and safe.”
