British Columbia sees 195% increase in sudden deaths during Canada heatwave

Chief coroner says more than 300 deaths could be attributed to the extreme temperatures

At least 486 sudden deaths were reported over five days during British Columbia's unprecedented heatwave, suggesting the extreme weather that affected western Canada in recent days was far deadlier than initially believed.

Typically, 165 sudden deaths would occur in the province over that period, the province's chief coroner said, suggesting more than 300 deaths could be attributed to the heat. The new tally, announced on Wednesday, marks a 195% increase over normal years.