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.
Giants may consider QB in NFL draft as Daniel Jones recovers from ACL injury
Los Angeles County's troubled juvenile halls get reprieve, can remain open after improvements
Government increases support for Ukraine, extends NZDF deployment
Lawsuit filed over new Kentucky law aimed at curbing youth vaping
Marcus Sasser leads Pistons past Mavericks 107
Agreement could resolve litigation over services for disabled people in North Carolina
Forsberg gets 10th career hat trick, sets Nashville scoring record as Predators beat Blackhawks 5
The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits holds steady as labor market remains strong
Conservative Christians press Trump to do more on abortion
Andy Murray back on practice court after confirming no surgery for ankle injury
What to expect in the Alaska and Wyoming Democratic presidential contests