'Extreme heat is causing mass deaths in Turkey'

Güçlü Yaman from the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Pandemic Working Group has revealed that heat waves are causing deaths, based on mortality data shared by municipalities online. Explaining the details of his research to Mesude Demir from Diken, Yaman's study shows that in Istanbul alone, 2,200 excess deaths were recorded in June and July (compared to pre-pandemic levels).

Yaman stated that a very significant portion of these deaths developed due to high temperatures, as the deaths increased in parallel with the temperatures.

Deaths in Istanbul peaked in the week of July 24 with a 41 percent increase. In Izmir, this rate reached as high as 49 percent.

Yaman, who previously revealed excess deaths caused by Covid-19 using data published by municipalities during the pandemic—a study that angered the Ministry of Health—this time examined the impact of heat on death tolls.

While evaluating excess deaths, Yaman compared the number of deaths in June and July with the average of the three years prior to the pandemic (2017, 2018, and 2019). In addition to Istanbul and Izmir, he also looked at data from Gaziantep and Kahramanmaraş. Yaman observed an increase in deaths parallel to extreme heat in both provinces.

In Gaziantep, deaths rose 48 percent above the pre-pandemic average. This rate was 29 percent in Kahramanmaraş. In these locations as well, deaths had increased in parallel with heat waves.

49 PERCENT INCREASE IN DEATHS IN IZMIR

In extreme heat, body temperature can rise above 40-41 degrees in 10-15 minutes. The combination of high temperature and humidity prevents evaporation, and the human body exerts more effort to maintain its normal temperature. The elderly, children, infants, those with chronic illnesses, those using certain medications, individuals with disabilities, those working outdoors, those living in urban areas, and women are more affected by extreme heat.

Evaluating his data for Diken, Yaman said: “Most people think that deaths due to high temperatures only happen in Europe. However, mass deaths are occurring in a similar way here as well. In Izmir, two waves of death occurred in parallel with high temperatures. In June, deaths rose to 49 percent above pre-pandemic levels for the first time. July 23, with 165 deaths, was the day with the highest number of deaths in a single day in the last two years.

In Gaziantep and Kahramanmaraş, deaths parallel to extreme heat also increased starting from the beginning of June. During the same period, death numbers were reached that had not been seen in previous years.”

THE NOTE LEFT ON DEATH RECORDS IS DIFFERENT

If body temperature rises to 40°C or above, heat stroke, which manifests itself with confusion and drowsiness, can have dangerous consequences. Heat stroke can cause death directly through exposure to heat, but it can also exacerbate existing illnesses. This exacerbation also leads to death. Since heat-related deaths are not recorded as such, they are revealed through comparisons like the one Yaman conducted.

A large proportion of heat-related deaths are seen in the elderly over 75. Neither the government nor local administrations are taking any precautions against heat waves, which are increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity every day.

Those living in urban areas are at higher risk than those living in rural areas because they are exposed to heat waves for longer periods. Furthermore, because asphalt and concrete radiate heat for longer, they spread heat throughout the night as the 'urban heat island effect.' High levels of carbon gas emissions in cities are also factors that increase temperature. On top of this, when air corridors are blocked by unplanned and excessive construction, cities become two to four degrees hotter than the surrounding countryside.

SO WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk, former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, stated that temperatures of 40 degrees and above are a 'silent killer.' Öztürk called for the daily change in the number of deaths between June 1 and July 24, when scorching heat was effective, and the following hot days, to be shared with the public. Stating that more people die from heat each year than from hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined, Öztürk said, “Hot weather causes deaths through heat stroke, brain hemorrhage, kidney failure, heart attack, and the like.”

Stating that extreme heat can lead to death in those working under the sun through brain hemorrhage, heart attack, and heat stroke, Öztürk said that working outdoors should not be permitted between 10:00 and 17:00.

Reminding that temperatures are expected to rise above 40 degrees again in the coming days in Antalya, Adana, Mersin, Osmaniye, and even the Black Sea region, Öztürk said: “Some European countries (primarily Greece) ban working outdoors during extreme heat. They even impose fines. In our country, when the heat is dry and the felt temperature is 40 degrees or above, work under the sun (construction, ship dismantling and building, motorcycle couriers, mail carriers, street cleaners, those working in parks, and similar) should be banned. Working hours should be moved to after 17:00. Fines should be imposed on those who do not comply with the rules. It is highly probable that some of those who died were lonely elderly people living in uninsulated and air-conditioner-free homes. Municipalities should visit the lonely frequently and create cooling centers if necessary.”

Explaining that windows facing south that receive sunlight should be kept closed during the day, Öztürk said, “Curtains and shades should also be drawn. If you have an air conditioner, do not run it lower than 26 degrees. 26-27 degrees is the most suitable temperature for human comfort.”