Shanghai Strains Amid Heat Wave

Shanghai strains amid heat wave
AFP
July 5, 2005

Hundreds of people have been hospitalized in Shanghai as a record-shattering heat wave showed little signs of letting up, straining already stretched power resources.

The thermometer hit 39 degrees Celsius Sunday, making it a record ninth straight day above 35 degrees and the hottest July 3 in the city since 1873.

The sweltering heat has strained power supplies as air-conditioners were turned up to maximum, but hundreds, mostly elderly, were hospitalized with heat stroke and breathing difficulties.

Over 600 ambulances have been despatched each day, the Shanghai Daily reported. No deaths, however, have been reported.

With air-conditioners accounting for much of the power usage, authorities have instructed government buildings, malls, offices, hotels and entertainment venues to set their air-conditioning dials no lower than 26 degrees Celsius.

Residents of the city of 17 million will have to endure the hot, humid temperatures at least until tomorrow when meterologists have forecast rainstorms.>