Houston, Texas confirms first heat-related deathHouston, Texas has just confirmed its first heat-related death.
Victor Ramos, 67, was found in his home in south-west Houston, which did not have air conditioning. He died on 24 June in hospital. Ramos’ sister Karla told local Houston news outlet KHOU that her brother Ramos’ could not afford to fix his broken AC unit since he was let go from his job in March.
In nearby Pearland, Texas, Felipe Pascaul, 46, also died from the heat on 16 June. Pascaul was pouring concrete on a construction job site when he went into cardiac arrest and collapsed. He was taken to a hospital but did not survive.
The news comes after Texas governor Greg Abbott approved a law in June that eliminated water breaks for construction workers mandated by cities and counties in the state.
The state has seen 14 heat-related deaths this year as of June. Last year, 306 people died in connection to the dangerously high temperatures in Texas.
Texas’s most populous city and the fourth most populous city in the US, Houston is one of many around the country, particularly in the southwest, placed on a heat advisory.
Heat Advisories are again in effect today and tomorrow as heat indices rise to near 110°F this afternoon.
🥤Stay hydrated
🚫🏃Limit strenuous outdoor activities
😎Take frequent breaks in A/C or the shade if outside
🚙Never leave children or pets in off vehicles#HOUwx #TXwx pic.twitter.com/70QCU7bG6B
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) July 17, 2023