Breaking: Four People Have Died In Malta This Weekend Due To Heat-Related Issues
Four people died over the last weekend due to dehydration and hyperthermia, Lovin Malta can confirm.
On Monday, sources working at Mater Dei informed Lovin Malta that a total of nine people had died due to heat-related issues, with relatives or neighbours finding them and bringing them in.
Another source told this newsroom that a total of 14 people had been admitted with heat-related issues, with nine of them dying.
Malta’s Health Ministry has confirmed with Lovin Malta that a total of three patients died of dehydration as the main cause of death, while another person died due to hyperthermia in just two days.
All four were residing in their homes, and not state homes.
The government reiterated advice for the elderly to avoid the sun in peak hours, stay hydrated and to contact them if they would like to access the newly launched respite service aimed to support the elderly in difficult situations during this heatwave.
The final number of deaths during this period is not yet confirmed as autopsies are still in the process and death certificates can take a few days before they are finalised.
“Over the past weekend, that is the 22nd and 23rd July 2023, there was one death caused were hyperthermia was mentioned as a contributing factor to the death of the patient, while in another three patients dehydration was one of the main causes of death,” a spokesperson for the Ministry told Lovin Malta.
“In total there were 34 deaths and most deaths were due to cardiovascular conditions or chronic exacerbations of other chronic conditions.”
“The health authorities are again alerting on the effect of the heatwave on the health of everyone but especially vulnerable persons and to take actions that protect health and seek medical support if they have any signs or symptoms of heat effects.”
Meanwhile, former PN MP Franco Debono has also questioned authorities on social media to confirm the number of people that have died due to the heat.
“Can authorities please confirm the number of people that have died due to the hellish heat and power cuts that have hit our country?” he said.
It is unclear whether more deaths will be registered in the coming days related to the ongoing heatwave.
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