{"text":[[{"start":6.95,"text":"More than 2,700 deaths across England and Wales have been linked to the record-breaking heatwaves that hit the UK in May and June, according to research that comes as parts of the country continue to endure sweltering conditions. "}],[{"start":20.8,"text":"Researchers from Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimated that about 550 people died across England and Wales due to heat-related causes during the May heatwave, when an all-time high of 35.1C was set for that month. "}],[{"start":39.1,"text":"A further 2,200 people are estimated to have died during the June heatwave, when a rare red warning was issued indicating a risk to life even for healthy individuals. The researchers said they used historical mortality records and peer-reviewed methods to model fatalities during both heatwaves."}],[{"start":58,"text":"The UK death toll comes after Germany recorded almost 5,500 excess fatalities during June’s unprecedented heatwave, according to provisional data, while France registered 2,000 and Belgium 1,200. "}],[{"start":71.45,"text":"For the first time on record in the UK, temperatures of 35C or higher had been recorded in May, June and July of the same year, the Met Office said. Last month was England’s hottest June on record. "}],[{"start":86,"text":"Malcolm Mistry, assistant professor in climate and geospatial modelling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said “spikes of extreme hot weather are rapidly evolving into a major health risk for people in the UK”. "}],[{"start":99.95,"text":"While heatstroke can kill, most heat-related deaths are indirect, with rates of heart attacks, strokes and respiratory failure rising as the body strains to cool itself. The elderly, the young and those with underlying health issues are most at risk. "}],[{"start":115.95,"text":"Scientists say climate change is making extreme weather events, including heatwaves, more intense and frequent. The researchers said maximum daytime temperatures across England and Wales are now roughly 3-4C hotter than they otherwise would have been."}],[{"start":132.45,"text":"The FT reported last month that hospitals were overwhelmed by June’s scorching conditions, with several declaring critical incidents as demand for services soared and a lack of air conditioning meant some clinical areas were no longer safe. "}],[{"start":147.7,"text":"Modelling from academics at Birmingham university suggested up to 4,000 surgeries risked being cancelled over the four hottest days in June because of staff shortages, unsafe operating environments and an influx of additional patients due to the heatwave. "}],[{"start":164.7,"text":"In a statement on the excess deaths, Ed Miliband, energy and net zero secretary, said: “These record-breaking heatwaves show once again that the climate crisis isn’t a future threat. The impacts are here with us today with extreme heat having an impact on our nation’s health, economy and public services.” "}],[{"start":181.89999999999998,"text":"In a joint letter issued to ministers on Monday, a coalition of groups including End Fuel Poverty Coalition, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace UK and WWF called on the governments to support the installation of cooling measures, such as shutters and air conditioning, backed by solar power, in hospitals, care homes and schools. "}],[{"start":202.45,"text":"While southern England had the highest temperatures during this year’s heatwaves, researchers said the estimates suggested the Midlands had experienced a similar death rate. "}],[{"start":211.79999999999998,"text":"“With this region less frequently exposed to extreme heat, it suggests residents there are more vulnerable,” the researchers said. "}],[{"start":219.2,"text":"The Met Office said temperatures would continue to exceed 30C across areas of England and Wales into this week. "}],[{"start":233.5,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1783914103_3190.mp3"}