SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — So far this summer, 24 people have died in the city of Mexicali because of heat-related causes, according to Baja California’s Medical Examiner’s Office.
The figure is three times higher than the number for the same time last year.
Mexicali is a border town about 120 miles east of Tijuana and is Baja California’s capital city.
Baja officials are also reporting that 103 people have been hospitalized for heat exhaustion and dehydration since June 20 when summer started.
On a national level, the Mexicali region has seen the second most heat-related deaths in Mexico behind the city of Veracruz where 56 people have reportedly died because of the heat.
The state of Baja California is asking residents to stay indoors as much as possible between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. especially when temperatures are above 100 degrees.
There have been several stretches this summer when temperatures reached 120 or higher in the Mexicali Valley.
The city has set up more than 100 “cool zones” in the area providing air-conditioned tents and other facilities along with free food and drink.
According to The National, a lifestyle and travel publication, Mexicali ranks fourth in terms of the hottest regions in the world.
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