Heat wave accounted for hundreds of deaths in the US

The heat wave that has been affecting the Western part of the U.S. is now believed to have killed hundreds of people there.

{RVO}

In Seattle and nearby Oregon, where air conditioners are very uncommon due to cool weather, many elderly people died of heatstroke or dehydration.

An excessive heat warning remained in effect for part of the Pacific Northwest and western Canada on Thursday.

The death toll in Oregon alone stands at 79.

Washington state authorities have linked more than 20 deaths to the heat, saying the number of deaths is expected to rise.

Cooling stations had been set up in different locations across Seattle and Oregon, and some other U.S. states nearby, while many Americans tried to cool themselves off either by swimming or avoiding strenuous activities.