BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Street vendors in Mali’s capital of Bamako peddle water sachets, ubiquitous for this part of West Africa during the hottest months. This year, an unprecedented heat wave has led to a surge in deaths, experts say, warning of more scorching weather ahead as effects of climate change roil the continent.
The heat wave began in late March, as many in this Muslim majority country observed the holy Islamic month of Ramadan with dawn-to-dusk fasting.
On Thursday, temperatures in Bamako reached 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) and weather forecasts say it’s not letting up anytime soon.
The city’s Gabriel-Touré Hospital reported 102 deaths in the first four days of the month, compared to 130 deaths in all of April last year. It’s unknown how many of the fatalities were due to the extreme weather as such data cannot be made public under the regulations imposed by the country’s military rulers.
Zimbabwe frees prisoners, including those sentenced to death, in an independence day amnesty
Yemen's Houthis say they targeted Western ships
Builders hope Resource Management Act change will speed up papakāinga developments
China economy update: Evergrande shares plunge 70 per cent
Rivalries on tap with Barcelona
Baltimore bridge collapses after being struck by ship, six presumed dead
Russia sentences Pussy Riot activist to six years in absentia for Ukraine "war fakes"
New Zealand being considered as potential AUKUS Pillar Two partner
Indianapolis man charged with murder in fatal shootings of 3 at apartment complex
US restricts trade with companies tied to drones used by Russia, Houthis
Montreal scores twice in final minutes and rallies to beat Minnesota 4
Samoa citizenship bill passes first hurdle in Parliament with help of ACT and NZ First