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.
Feds push back against judge and say troubled California prison should be shut down without delay
China sees stronger momentum for scientific and technological innovation over past five years
'Global status far off for China's carmakers'
Mariska Hargitay is mistaken for real
China's railway system sees 159% surge in pre
4th CICPE scheduled from April 13
China renews blue alerts for severe convection weather, sandstorms
Armenian victims group ask International Criminal Court to investigate genocide claim
China continues to push deleveraging despite initial progress
Police detective lays bare Hells Angels' twisted links to the MAFIA
Searches for hotels surge 4 times after China