Italy heatwave kills elderly
2011-08-24 20:28
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Rome - A heatwave has killed at least 10 elderly people in Milan in northern Italy with temperatures topping 35°C in the past week, health officials said on Wednesday.
Ten people between 78 and 90 years of age died in the Lombardy region on Tuesday and Wednesday from cardiovascular and breathing problems aggravated by the heat, according to the region's emergency health service.
On Tuesday, Italy's Civil Protection Agency put 16 towns on the highest alert, level 3, after humidity raised perceived temperatures to 38°C in Milan, Rome and Naples, and 40°C in Sicily.
The tiny promontory of Cape Carbonara in Sardegna reached a record 47°C.
The sizzling temperatures are set to last until the weekend, according to the Civil Protection Service, which has advised people to drink at least two litres of water a day.
