Hospitals Fill Up in Houston as Heat Wave and Power Crisis Surge Post-Hurricane Beryl

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ICARO Media Group
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11/07/2024 21h29

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl leaving over a million residents in Houston without electricity, hospitals in the area are grappling with an influx of patients during a deadly heat wave. As temperatures soar to 105F (40C), hospitals are struggling to discharge patients due to their homes being without power.

To tackle the crisis, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced that the city's football stadium has been converted into a "transitional facility" for overflow when hospitals reach capacity. With temperatures remaining scorching hot, there is an urgent need for alternative arrangements to accommodate the growing number of patients.

The situation in Houston is further exacerbated by the ongoing power outage, which has affected around 1.3 million people in the state. In response, more than 100 cooling centers have been set up across the Houston area to provide relief to residents. Additionally, long queues at fuel stations have become the last resort for those without indoor air conditioning.

Mr. Patrick described the situation as "miserable," with residents enduring pitch-black nights and scorching days, and losing access to refrigerated food. The hurricane's impact has compounded an already grave situation, leaving Houston's population grappling with lack of power and extreme heat.

This heatwave crisis extends beyond Houston, as multiple states, including Texas, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon, have been placed under heat advisories. California particularly faces "dangerously hot conditions" with expected temperatures reaching up to 120F (49C) in places like Palm Springs, lasting until Saturday.

Tragically, the consequences of the heatwave have already claimed lives. In Sacramento, a man died in the hospital after being brought from his non-air conditioned home when temperatures soared to 106F (41C). In Oregon, where typically milder climates are found, triple-digit temperatures are anticipated, leading to 10 deaths thus far. Climate scientists point out that global average daily temperatures have risen, resulting in hotter and more intense heatwaves, with human-induced climate change being a key factor.

As the heatwave persists, emergency measures and resources will be critical to alleviate the pressure on hospitals and ensure the safety and well-being of residents across affected states. The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, taking necessary steps to support communities and address the immediate challenges posed by extreme weather events.

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