As of July 19, 2024, Mexicali’s Forensic Medical Service (SEMEFO) has reported 21 deaths due to the intense summer heat, with eight of these victims still unidentified. It is suspected that some of these individuals were in transit or experiencing homelessness.
The director of SEMEFO, César Raúl González Vaca, confirmed that their department’s autopsies have documented these fatalities. These figures are separate from those reported by the Department of Health, which is anticipated to officially confirm an additional three deaths in the coming days.
González Vaca mentioned that two of the deaths identified recently are part of the total 21, of which eight remain unclaimed at SEMEFO’s facilities. He further added that nine of the deceased tested positive for substances, predominantly methamphetamine. While the drug was not the direct cause of death, it contributed as an aggravating factor.
Among the latest fatalities, one person has been claimed by relatives and was identified as unemployed. No information is available for the other individual.
Notably, just over the past weekend, five deaths were recorded due to the high temperatures. Although a slight reduction in heat is expected in the upcoming days, increased humidity levels might pose greater risks of dehydration and heatstroke.
The most recent deaths occurred on July 15 and July 17. One victim was a 24-year-old man named Marco from the Progreso neighborhood. The other, still unidentified, is an individual estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old, found near the airport highway in the Abasolo neighborhood.
Initially, the heat-related deaths were primarily among laborers or valley residents. However, the cases have now expanded to include individuals experiencing migration, abandonment, or addiction issues.