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The Pacific Northwest is still dealing with last month’s historic heatwave. And it is now clear that people died from the triple-digit heat.

The unprecedented heatwave took place from Oregon north to British Columbia, where record-breaking temperatures were felt. On Wednesday,  Multnomah County, which includes Portland, declared the heatwave a “mass casualty event.” County coroner's report that 107 people died in the county from heat-related causes. Each of the deaths is being investigated and certified.

In Washington state, the death toll resulting from the heatwave has risen to 78 victims with other deaths still being investigated.

“The sheer volume of work requires weeks of staff time to properly complete their forensic investigations that will inform future planning,” Oregon officials gave a statement claiming, “The picture of what occurred is expected to come into focus as details from each death come together for analysis. That information will form the basis for change to the County’s heat response and is hoped to ultimately save lives in future events.”

Pacific Northwest officials continue to gather more information about the death toll. They want to understand who is most at-risk to make certain a heat-related mass casualty event doesn’t ever happen again. 

A number of safeguards are in the planning stages. Potential solutions include climate-friendly air conditioning. And improvements to the electrical grid are also being considered. Planting more trees might mitigate the heat island effect. And better social service programs to check on the elderly and the homeless are being planned to protect residents if the next heatwave strikes.