19 Deaths from Heatwave in New Jersey as Hurricane "Bavi" Strikes Rota Island

SadaNews - The authorities in the state of New Jersey, USA, announced on Monday that the number of deaths related to the heatwave affecting large parts of the United States has risen to 19, as the country also experiences other severe weather conditions.

State Health Commissioner Ryanard Washington explained during a press conference that all the deaths are suspected to be related to the heatwave, noting that some victims were found inside homes lacking air conditioning, while others were located on the streets or inside parked cars.

This toll coincides with the ongoing extreme heatwave affecting Midwestern states and the East Coast, coinciding with Americans celebrating Independence Day.

The National Weather Service announced that approximately 160 million people were under warnings for record-high and dangerous temperature increases, urging residents to stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and seek air-conditioned places when necessary.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Michelle Sherrill warned of the seriousness of the situation, describing the weather as "extreme and dangerous," and indicating that this is the longest period the state has experienced extremely high temperatures in over 14 years.

Meteorological experts believe that this heatwave is part of the increasing phenomena associated with climate change, where heatwaves have become more frequent, intense, and prolonged, attributed to the "heat dome" phenomenon that traps hot air under high-pressure systems.

In a related context, the powerful hurricane "Bavi" struck the US island of Rota in the Pacific Ocean, classified as a Category 5 hurricane, with winds reaching speeds of about 290 kilometers per hour, leading to warnings of widespread destruction.

The meteorological agency confirmed that the hurricane caused strong winds and flooding, while local authorities began receiving reports of extensive property damage.

Residents were urged to seek shelter in interior rooms or evacuation centers and treat the conditions as a direct threat to life.

Rota Island is home to approximately 1,500 residents and is located at the southernmost part of the Northern Mariana Islands, while authorities warned that it could become uninhabitable for weeks if the intensity of the hurricane continues or passes directly over it, especially with the fragility of many non-concrete buildings.

Warnings were also issued in the neighboring island of Guam for heavy rainfall expected to range between 20 and 30 centimeters, increasing the risk of flash floods.

Hurricane "Bavi" comes less than three months after Hurricane "Sinlaku" struck the area in April, causing widespread damage including power outages, uprooted trees, and the destruction of several buildings.