A heat wave in China's southern metropolis of Guangzhou has been responsible for the deaths of at least 39 people in the last two days, with most of the casualties among the elderly or infirm, state press said Saturday.
The mercury has topped 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) in recent days and was expected to hit 36 degrees Saturday.
Among the fatalities, 27 of the deaths were elderly people, with the oldest being 97 years old, while the youngest was a 20-year old who died of dehydration.
The government has urged elderly people to stay at home, remain inactive and try to stay cool.