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USA: In New York, Bronx residents suffer from the heat
United States: In New York, Bronx residents suffer from the heat
(Franceinfo)
As a heatwave hits the Big Apple, residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods are left to cope on their own.
New York is a stifling city, especially in the summer. When the heatwave sets in, it is difficult to find an island of cool in disadvantaged neighborhoods like the Bronx. A children’s playground is deserted because the equipment is not suitable when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees. “On the slide, you can get burned skin”explains one man. Even the hardiest have trouble adapting to this extreme heat: “We see a lot of people suffering because it’s really too hot. You have to hydrate yourself constantly. If you can’t adapt, it’s better to go out at night.”.
The elderly are the most vulnerable. To better protect them, the authorities have opened a so-called “refreshment” center. It is always full when the thermometer rises. But since the beginning of summer, there are more and more sick people who need to be taken care of despite the lack of resources. “Their health is worse with these climatic conditions. Many of them have heart problems or diabetes.”explains Sandra Arroyo, director of the center. In New York in 2023, 350 people died during the summer heat wave. For the city, responding to the climate challenge has become a priority.
