The soaring temperatures in Cyprus have claimed the first fatality this year with a health ministry official confirming the death of a 79-year-old woman.
Speaking to state radio on Monday, Health Ministry official Dr Elizabeth Constantinou said, “The weather of the weekend resulted in four serious cases, all involving elderly people above the age of 70”.
She said an elderly woman in the capital had died over the weekend at Nicosia General Hospital.
By Monday, three more people, who Constantinou said were all aged over 70, were in intensive care as a result of hyperthermia and heat-related issues. One is undergoing treatment at Famagusta General Hospital, one at Limassol General Hospital and a third at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre in Nicosia.
Apart from being elderly, all four were people with chronic health problems but cautioned the general public and vulnerable groups in particular to take extra care.
“Use air-conditioning, drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and stay out of the sun.”
As well as the elderly and ailing, vulnerable groups are also considered to be children and babies, pregnant women, and the obese.
The Meteorological Service has extended its Orange Warning for Monday with inland temperatures expected to rise to 43°C inland, 38°C on the south, north and east coasts, and 35°C on the west coast and in the mountains.
Temperatures on Sunday officially reached 45°C while unofficial measures stated it was even hotter.