In response to the scorching temperatures gripping China and the rising death toll, cities across the country have opened bomb shelters as a means of providing refuge from the extreme heat. Northern China, in particular, is experiencing unprecedented heatwaves aggravated by a severe drought. Beijing, in particular, has endured over nine consecutive days of temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), setting a record dating back to 1961, according to the National Climate Centre.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, cities like Hangzhou on the east coast, Wuhan in the central region, and Shijiazhuang in Hebei province (which borders Beijing) have announced the availability of air raid shelters to the public seeking respite from the blistering heat. Authorities have also issued health warnings and imposed a ban on outdoor work in these areas.

Tragically, the scorching heat has already claimed lives. In Beijing, two fatalities have been attributed to the extreme weather conditions. A tour guide collapsed and succumbed to heat stroke while leading a tour at the Summer Palace, an expansive 18th-century imperial park, as reported by health officials. Additionally, a woman in Beijing lost her life due to heat stroke last month. The city of Shaoxing, near Hangzhou, has also confirmed heat-related deaths, although no specific details have been provided.