The BC government is acknowledging the fifth anniversary of the tragic “heat dome” weather event that occurred in Victoria and throughout some regions of BC in the summer of 2021.
During the heat dome, a total of 619 British Columbians died of heat exposure across the province. Greater Victoria recorded 18 heat-related deaths.
On June 27th, 2021, downtown Victoria hit 38.3°C, and the temperature peaked at 39.8°C on June 28th, 2021.
This event set the city’s new all-time record for maximum temperature.
Furthermore, the danger from the heat continued through exceptionally warm nights, causing indoor temperatures to build throughout the week-long event.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has issued a statement recognizing the fifth anniversary and warning British Columbians of the dangers extreme heat can bring as the province experiences its first heat wave of the year.
“As we experience the first heat of this summer, we are reminded of the tragic event in 2021 when more than 600 people in our communities died as a result of unprecedented extreme heat,” said Dr. Henry.
“While this was the first provincewide heat dome experienced in BC, we know it will not be the last.”
She noted that during the tragic event, most of the people who died were in their own homes, often alone, and without adequate means to cool their home.
“We know this event had a tremendous effect on families and communities who lost loved ones and also on the many first responders and health-care workers who did their utmost to care for the overwhelming number of people who were affected by the heat,” continued Dr. Henry.
“On this anniversary, my thoughts are with those who were affected and those who live with trauma from that event.”
Following 2021, the Province implemented both short- and long-term plans to prepare for future heat events.
The Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC) formed the BC Health Effects of Anomalous Temperatures (BC HEAT) committee which launched the BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS) and the Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide.
These resources are available on the BC CDC’s website.
On top of this, many heat pump and air conditioner rebate programs have been put in place throughout the province.
“Heat events do not impact everyone equally,” noted Dr. Henry.
“People living in poverty, individuals with mental illness and those with chronic health conditions often face higher risks when they lack access to a cool indoor space.”
Though Victoria hasn’t experienced temperatures of heat dome levels since 2021, this summer is predicted to bring hot temperatures through July and August that may impact vulnerable individuals.
The Province recommends being prepared for the heat when possible and to take care of neighbours and those in need during extreme heat events.
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