Cyprus highest temperatures in 30 years, claim two lives

At least two people have lost their lives in South Cyprus as a result of high temperatures and heatwave as temperatures reached a record high of any July in the past 30 years.

The two women aged 60 and 75 are said to have died as a result of heatstroke (a condition caused the body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures) said Greek Cypriot Health authorities on Monday adding that they were still expecting more cases of heatstroke. 

The 75-year-old woman, who had a pre-existing medical condition, died from heatstroke on Sunday while the other victim, 60 was found unconscious at her home in Nicosia on Sunday and taken to hospital and was confirmed dead on Monday report Cyprus Mail.

According to the report, three other incidents of heat stroke were recorded on Sunday at the Nicosia General Hospital.  

Assistant Director of the Emergencies Department of Nicosia, Andreas Eliades, who confirmed the deaths called for public awareness, and recommended that large amounts of water should be consumed during the day, as well as fruit and vegetables. He also urged people to avoid alcohol, coffee and heavy foods such as oil, chocolates, spices as well as avoiding too much exposure to the sun, unnecessary movement and heavy physical exercise.

The Cyprus’ Meteorological Service said between Saturday July 1 to Monday July 3, temperatures across the eastern Mediterranean island reached a record high of 44.6C, which was the highest temperatures for the month of July in the last 30 years, as well as all-time records over the last 30 years.