Hong Kong’s past heatwaves potentially contributed to 1,677 excess deaths, says university study

Heatwaves in Hong Kong over the last 10 years may have contributed to more than 1,600 deaths, according to a projection from university researchers, who have urged authorities to create an extreme weather action plan to reduce health risks.

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong estimated that the 18 heatwaves recorded by the city between 2014 and 2023 had each produced about 93 “excess deaths”, resulting in 1,677 extra fatalities over that period.