The death toll for the current heat wave sweeping through Egypt has reached 97 since August 9, according to a statement from the Health Ministry on Monday which was obtained by Aswat Masriya.
The ministry indicated that two elderly people from Cairo succumbed to the heat on Sunday.
Three senior citizens died on Saturday the Health Ministry said on Sunday. The ministry announced on Sunday that 206 people suffering from heat-related issues had been admitted to hospitals nationwide on Saturday.
Meteorologists are predicting that the heatwave will continue until the end of August, though the temperature will decrease moderately starting this week.
Conflicting temperatures cited by Egypt’s Meteorological Authority and media outlets over the past week have evoked calls for the real temperatures to be announced in order for citizens to take the proper health precautions.
One World Foundation has also requested the Meteorology Authority give out accurate temperature readings.
"We usually expect an additional 5 to 10 degrees Celsius of the forecasted temperatures in the sunlight," Wahid Saudi, spokesperson for the Egyptian Meteorological Authority told Ahram Online.
General Manager Maged Sorour said the international principles of freedom of information stipulate full disclosure by public institutions in accordance with United Nations regulations.
He called on the Meteorology Authority to raise awareness on how to deal with weather extremes, particularly for children and the elderly, and on the Agriculture Ministry to raise awareness on how to protect food and animals.
