Killer heatwave toll 'could go higher'

[KrispyKoala]

Killer heatwave toll 'could go higher'

SOUTHEAST Australia's record-breaking heatwave has caused the deaths of at least six Victorians and there could be more.

Victoria Police deputy commissioner Kieran Walshe said today the force had documented six cases yesterday in which they believed people had died from heat-related stress.

The temperature climbed to 45.1C in Melbourne yesterday afternoon, the city's second-hottest day on record.

But the death toll may be far higher.


By Greg Roberts

January 31, 2009 08:56pm

Ambulance Victoria treated more than 150 people yesterday, and another 60 by this afternoon for heat-related issues.

The heatwave may also have contributed to the deaths of as many as 30 South Australians where the heatwave has been just as severe.

Today, Melburnians enjoyed some relief as the temperature dropped below 30C after three consecutive days of 43C or more, but much of Victoria continued to swelter.

www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24990647-5001028,00.html

[cathy]

Not sure which is worse, dying of the cold or the heat.

Our news has told of the heatwave you've got going on over there. Must be horrific. We've also seen properties burnt to the ground and tragic stories of people dying.

Over here, we're about to witness the coldest period for many years. We're warned to expect heavy snow, freezing Siberian winds and ice.

It seems the worlds climate really is going bonkers.

Take care Krispy.

[norfolkdumpling]

Yep, the world's weather is topsy turvy

[Libby]

I should think dying in excessive heat or cold are both horrendous ways to die to be honest with you!

Those are scorching temperatures out there in Australia! Amazing! It must be a horrendous worry for all out there with the fires and the heat.

The weather has certainly gone haywire, devastating heat Down Under and the worst Winter here for years over in the UK! There's more to this weather than meets the eye, it's certainly changing its pattern.