Every year, 250 Moroccans die due to extreme heat and its linked illnesses, according to a new study published in the scientific journal “The Lancet“.
The study titled “Current and future trends in heat-related mortality in the Middle East and North Africa” estimates the mortality rate due to heat in Morocco to range from 0 to 93 per 100,000 citizens.
The study also notes that mortality rates caused by hot weather are the lowest in Algeria, Morocco, Libya, and small Arab Gulf states, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, at 19, 78, and 17 respectively, unlike in Saudi Arabia where the number of deaths rises to 285.
Across the Middle East and the North African region, a total of 8,904 people die annually from hot weather-related causes, with Egypt recording the highest number deaths at an average of 2,591 per year, followed by Iran, Turkey, and Iraq with 1,703, 1,364, and 1,091 deaths respectively.
To our Arabic version, Barlamane.com, it should be stated that Dr. Taieb Hamdi, a health policy researcher, called in his declaration for environmental action to prevent heat- related deaths and advises citizens to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and consume fruits and vegetables.
Hamdi warns that the heat- related death rate could rise significantly in the future if temperatures continue to increase.