Kamloops RCMP say they have responded to six sudden deaths since Friday when the heatwave began.
In a statement, Sgt. Darren Michels says that number is double when compared to the same time period last year.
“The cause and manner of these deaths is being determined by the BC Coroners Service who will also conclude whether or not the death was heat-related,” he told NL News.
Michels says police were also called to 43 wellness checks in Kamloops since Friday, up from the usual 34.
“We just encourage people to check on your neighbours, check on your family members that are out there if you don’t hear from them,” he said. “Maybe make a phone call or knock on their doors, especially those that don’t have air conditioning in their homes just so that everybody is safe and we can all get through this.
“Hopefully by next week, things will cool off and we’ll all be back to normal”
Yesterday, the BC Coroners Service said it had responded at least 233 “sudden deaths” over a four-day period from Friday, June 25 to Monday, June 28. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said the “normal” for a four-day period is 130 deaths.
Kamloops has set three straight days of record temperatures including 47.3 C yesterday.
Environment Canada’s forecast is calling for a high of 43 C today, 38 C on Thursday, and 26 C on Friday.
“We remind the public that if you do not have the ability to get out of the heat the City of Kamloops has created local cooling stations in the community,” Michels added.
Those cooling centres are at Sandman Centre, at the Sk’elep School of Excellence gym, and at several homeless shelters in the city.