Extreme cold weather is being pinpointed as the likely cause of nearly two dozen deaths in Taipei.
As of 3pm on Sunday, at least 21 suspected cold-related deaths have been reported in Taipei since the cold front rolled in on Saturday. Another ten suspected cold-related deaths have been reported in New Taipei, and five in Taoyuan.
Doctors are warning of hypothermia and cases related to cardiovascular disease. Almost all of the suspected cases affected people who were indoors at the time. It’s important to note that very few businesses, public places, or residences in Taiwan have heating.
Medical professionals are urging people to call 119 at the first sign of discomfort. They are telling people not to be embarrassed to pick up the phone to call for help, and not to try to make it to the hospital by themselves. While the elderly and young children are particularly susceptible to the effects of cold weather, some of the suspected victims were people in their 30s and 40s.