Heatwave hits Balkans, dozens in hospital
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Heatwave hits Balkans, dozens in hospital*
28 May 2008 14:50:45 GMT
Source: Reuters
SARAJEVO, May 28 (Reuters) - Temperatures hit record highs across the
Balkans on Wednesday, killing one person and sending dozens to hospitals
around the region with heatstroke.
Bosnia's meteorology institute said temperatures may hit a 100-year
record, reaching over 35 degrees Celsius in central parts of the country
and 38 degrees in the south. Temperatures had jumped by 15 degrees since
Monday, it added.
The Sarajevo University medical centre said it had seen over 200
patients with heat-induced complaints in the last few days.
"It's is like a madhouse in here," Senad Prasto, head of the centre's
emergency ward, told the daily Vecernji List.
An elderly man died during a tram ride in the Croatian capital Zagreb on
Tuesday from suspected heat stroke, and Serbian authorities said
Wednesday would be the hottest May day ever recorded in Belgrade, likely
topping 35 degrees.
"Everyone should wear lightweight and light-coloured clothes, a hat and
sunglasses," said Vladimir Kendovski, head of Macedonia's public health
commission. "If we apply preventive measures, it will be easier to
manage the heat wave.
Heatwaves claimed more than 40 lives across the region in June and July
2007, causing wild fires, power cuts, water shortages and traffic
disruptions. (Reporting by Maja Zuvela, Zoran Radosavljevic, Kole
Casule; Editing by Jon Boyle)