One Dead and Two Seriously Injured from Heatstroke: Temp. Soar Above 48°C

A 70-year-old man died on Wednesday night in Eilat from heatstroke, as Israel experiences one of the most intense heatwaves in recent history, breaking multiple temperature records across the country. Two other men, aged 60 and 70, also suffered from heatstroke and remain in serious condition.

At approximately 7:30 PM, Magen David Adom (MDA) received a report of an unconscious man in Eilat showing signs of heatstroke. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the man during his evacuation to Yoseftal Hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

"The medical teams performed CPR, but unfortunately had to declare him dead," the hospital stated. "We share the family's grief."

Two Others in Serious Condition from Heatstroke

Shortly after the Eilat incident, a 60-year-old man was found unconscious near the Hatzva Junction. MDA paramedics treated him at the scene before airlifting him to Soroka Hospital.

"We provided life-saving treatment, including massive cooling, anesthesia, ventilation, and medication," said MDA paramedic Moti Suisa. "His condition is serious."

Earlier in the day, another 70-year-old man collapsed in a public park in Lod. MDA teams treated him at the scene and transferred him to Assaf Harofeh Hospital in serious and unstable condition.

August Heat Records Shattered Across Israel

Wednesday’s heatwave brought historic temperatures:

• Eilat: 48.3°C – approaching national records

• Kfar Blum: 46.7°C – just shy of the historic record of 47°C

• Mitzpe Ramon: 41.2°C

• Safed: 40.7°C – breaking the city’s all-time record of 40.6°C set in September 2020

Heatwave Triggers Rise in Premature and Home Births

MDA reported a significant increase in births occurring outside hospitals, with many handled by emergency teams and even guided over the phone.

“We’ve seen a two-fold increase in births by our teams,” said Dr. Rafael Strogo, MDA Deputy Chief of Medicine. “Heat stress, dehydration, and lack of sleep are known to contribute to premature or rapid labor.”

How to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat

Authorities issued an urgent advisory for the public to follow safety measures:

• Stay indoors and avoid exposure to direct sunlight and heat as much as possible

• Hydrate frequently, even without feeling thirsty

• Use air conditioning whenever possible

• Avoid physical exertion, especially during peak afternoon hours

• Elderly and chronically ill individuals should stay indoors entirely

• Wear light clothing, apply sunscreen (SPF 30+), and use wide-brimmed hats when outdoors

• Pets and animals should not be left outside or in unventilated spaces without adequate water and shade

A Nationwide Emergency

Meteorologists and health officials warn that the extreme heat is expected to continue in the coming days. The public is urged to remain vigilant, check on vulnerable neighbors, and call MDA emergency services (101) in case of suspected heatstroke symptoms.