Heat wave in Mexico claims over 100 lives in two weeks

The health ministry of Mexico has reported that at least 100 people have died in the past two weeks due to heat-related causes, as the country experienced scorching temperatures reaching close to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in certain areas. 

A three-week-long heat wave strained the energy grid, leading to record demand and prompting authorities to suspend classes in some regions. 

The extreme heat has caused considerable discomfort for many Mexicans.

The majority of the deaths, over two-thirds, occurred during the week of June 18-24, with the remaining fatalities taking place the previous week. 

This marks a significant increase compared to the same period last year when only one heat-related death was recorded. 

Heat stroke accounted for most of the fatalities, while a few were attributed to dehydration. 

Approximately 64% of the deaths occurred in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, which shares a border with Texas. The rest of the fatalities were reported in the neighboring states of Tamaulipas and Veracruz along the Gulf coast.

Although recent days have seen a decline in temperatures as the rainy season has brought much-needed precipitation, certain cities in the northern regions continue to experience high temperatures. 

For instance, on Wednesday, the town of Aconchi in the state of Sonora recorded highs of 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit).