Scorching Heat in Northeast China: Heatwave brings record temperatures in Liaoning Province

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02:33

Besides the stormy weather in the southeast, there's also scorching weather in the northeast. Record high temperatures in Liaoning Province this week have prompted safety warnings and concerns for many residents. CGTN's GUAN YANG reports from Shenyang where everyone is trying to stay cool.

The most-watched social media videos of the past week in Shenyang prove that marine life suffers from heat waves just as we do. Tons of fish have died from scorching temperatures. This summer marks Shenyang's hottest on record in nearly 7 decades, with temperatures staying above 35 degrees Celsius for 7 consecutive days.

ZHANG HAIGANG, PATROL MEMBER GUANZIDONG WETLAND, SHENYANG "We went to check the water temperature immediately after dead fish were spotted, the temperature was around 42 degrees Celsius. Normally the highest temperature fish can withstand is 38."

The soaring temperatures are also threatening Shenyang's 8 million people. The week-long heatwave has brought a surge in emergency calls across the city. The most common complaints: heatstroke and dehydration.

CHEN TIEQIANG, SUPERVISOR HEPING OFFICE, SHENYANG EMERGENCY MEDICAL CENTER "This patient is suffering from the most severe type of heatstroke. His body temperature has reached over 41 degrees Celsius, and he is falling unconscious and experiencing breathing difficulties."

GUAN YANG SHENYANG, LIAONING PROVINCE "The forecast from the provincial meteorological center here in Liaoning calls for scorching heat all the way through Sunday. Experts urge residents to reduce their time in the sun, drink plenty of water, and especially take good care of children and the elderly."

Nationwide, a yellow alert was issued by China's meteorological center on Friday morning, the second in a four-tier warning system. Some areas in the northeastern provinces are expected to see temperatures of up to 39 degrees Celsius. In the local hospitals, the heatwave is threatening lives.

HUANG LAI, SECTION CHIEF SHENYANG EMERGENCY MEDICAL CENTER "The human body can only function within a narrow range of body temperatures. Since the beginning of this latest heatwave, we have treated far more patients for heatstroke than in previous years."

Many residents are hitting the swimming pool or hiding in the air-conditioned indoors to beat the heat. Some say this summer makes it impossible to live without an AC. GUAN YANG, CGTN.