Portland set new heat records on three consecutive days, peaking Monday at 116 degrees. Author: KGW Staff Updated: 6:42 PM EDT July 1, 2021
PORTLAND, Ore. The number of people who died during the historic heat wave in Oregon has grown to 79, the state medical examiner said Thursday. The statewide number could continue to change as counties report more information.
The majority of deaths reported by the state so far are in Multnomah County where 52 people have died since Friday. The county initially reported 45 deaths on Wednesday.
Marion County has reported nine deaths, Washington County has reported seven deaths, Clackamas County has reported eight deaths, and Columbia, Umatilla and Polk counties reported one death each, according to the Oregon State Medical Examiner s Office.
By Bill Galluccio
Photo: Getty Images
The Oregon State Medical Examiner s Office said that most of those who died were living alone and did not have air conditioning or a fan.
Over the past week, cities across Oregon shattered high-temperature records, with Portland hitting 116 degrees, Salem topping 117 degrees, and Pendleton and The Dalles recording a high of 118 degrees. This was a true health crisis that has underscored how deadly an extreme heatwave can be, especially to otherwise vulnerable people, said Multnomah County Health Officer Dr.
Jennifer Vines. I know many county residents were looking out for each other and am deeply saddened by this initial death toll. As our summers continue to get warmer, I suspect we will face this kind of event again.
911 calls have been relentless over the past few days in Portland, Oregon as a historic heat wave takes its toll in the Pacific Northwest and kills hundreds of people.
The State Medical Examiner s office had reported at least 63 deaths in the state of Oregon since Friday. 45 of the deaths were from Multnomah County ranging from 44 to 97 years old with underlying health conditions. Authorities are in alert as weather patterns suggests that more frequent and intense heat waves are coming. I know many county residents were looking out for each other and am deeply saddened by this initial death toll. As our summers continue to get warmer, I suspect we will face this kind of event again, said Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Vines.
June 30 2021
The state s death toll includes 52 in Multnomah County, seven in Washington County and eight in Clackamas.
At least 79 people perished during a historic heatwave that shattered thermometers and strained hospital systems across Oregon, according to state authorities.
A majority of the deaths 52 occurred in Multnomah County, with another seven reported in Washington County and eight in Clackamas County, state troopers say.
Authorities have not released their identities, but the details available point to isolation and exposure to the outdoors as keye factors:
• A spokeswoman for Clackamas County described one of the heat deaths as involving an elderly woman found in a manufactured home with no air-conditioning.