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Heat Wave Claims 49 Lives

Triple-digit temperatures take toll in Midwest, Southeast

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Aug 19, 2007 11:48 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The heat wave sweeping across the Midwest and Southeast has claimed at least 49 lives over the past week. Officials in Alabama and Memphis reported the 10 most recent deaths on Saturday, mostly elderly citizens. The weather forecast for next week predicts some relief from the triple digit-temperatures that has baked the two states for more than a week without a break. 

Memphis's senior centers are coordinating shuttle services and extended opening hours to get the elderly into air-conditioned environments. In Alabama, a nuclear power plant had to cut back output because the water it uses from a nearby river to cool down the reactors was too hot. But some are taking to the heat philanthropically: an anonymous donor gave over 20,000 bottles of water for kids to drink on school buses.

A young girl plays in the fountain at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 15. 2007. A heat wave continues in Southern California with National Weather Service reporting area temperatures in the high 90s expected throughout the week. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power reported...
A young girl plays in the fountain at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 15. 2007. A heat wave continues in Southern California with National Weather Service reporting area...   (Associated Press)
Members of the Southmont High School band cool off under mist test following their performance at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Aug 8, 2007. A dangerous heat wave kept its grip on much of Indiana on Wednesday, prompting cities and social service agencies to take steps to protect...
Members of the Southmont High School band cool off under mist test following their performance at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Aug 8, 2007. A dangerous heat wave kept its grip on...   (Associated Press)
times with the total death toll from heat related causes standing at 18 people over the past week.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
times with the total death toll from heat related causes standing at 18 people over the past week.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)   (Associated Press)
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