Canada is enduring a record-breaking heatwave, leading to extreme temperatures and dozens of sudden deaths.
At least 233 people died in British Columbia between Friday and Monday - a figure authorities say is about 100 more than the usual 4-day average.
Vancouver police, meanwhile, say they've responded to more than 65 sudden deaths since the heatwave began late last week, adding that "more casualties are being reported by the hour".
The vast majority of those recent deaths are believed to be related to the heat.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Steve Addison said: “Vancouver has never experienced heat like this, and sadly dozens of people are dying because of it.
“We’ve never seen anything like this, and it breaks our hearts."
It's led to police asking the public to only call during emergencies, as resources have been depleted as officers respond to the sharp increase in heat-related deaths.
Temperatures in a part of BC hit 49.5 degrees Celsius yesterday.
At 4:20pm, Lytton Climate Station reported 49.5°C, once again, breaking the daily and all-time temperature records for the 3rd straight day. Final numbers and all other temperature records will be posted later this afternoon. #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/jYpvxM0iIy
— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) June 29, 2021
The all-time Canadian heat record has now been beaten several days in a row, with temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius or more being recorded in several areas.
Heat warnings remain in places throughout western Canada amid the soaring temperatures, with the British Columbia weather service saying "words cannot describe this historic event".
The unprecedented heatwave is also impacting areas in the north-western US, near the Canadian border.
