Canary Islands report 19 heat-related deaths in ten days

This latest incident highlights the impact of the Canary Islands‘ heatwave on people. On Fuerteventura, a female hiker set off to climb the island’s highest peak on the hottest day of the week, despite a heatwave warning. Upon reaching the summit, the woman collapsed. Help arrived too late, and she died at the scene.

The daily monitoring system for weather-related mortality – MoMo for short – is run by the Carlos III Health Institute. It records all deaths attributable to climatic factors. And the figures are alarming.

This year, 108 people have lost their lives. In the first ten days of September alone, there were 19 further deaths, twelve of which occurred on the western islands. And a look at the summer figures reveals more:

The Canary Islands report more heat-related deaths

Between early June and mid-September, the system recorded 55 cases – more than half the total number within three and a half months. Of the 108 people affected, 103 were aged over 65.

In many cases, such as that of Fuerteventura (see the link at the end of the text for more details), the situation was similar to that of fatalities at sea: overestimating one’s own abilities. Strenuous climbs with no shade in the midday heat on the hottest day of a heatwave can put a strain on many people’s bodies, not just those of untrained walkers.

Overestimating one’s abilities in the heat in the Canary Islands is dangerous

During the most recent heatwave, the system recorded a daily rise in cases. Nevertheless, August is considered the most dangerous month. According to the MoMo system, nine people died in a single day in early August alone as a result of the heat.

The MoMo figures are based on calculations. In some cases, such as that of Fuerteventura, clear conclusions can be drawn regarding heat. In other cases, the system is based on medical assessment and statistical probability. Pre-existing conditions are considered the greatest risk, particularly amongst older people.