Energy consumption soars in summer
By Zheng Caixiong (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-06-27 08:40 According to a doctor from Guangzhou No 1 People's Hospital, the number of
both outpatient and emergency cases has increased sharply. Other major hospitals
in Guangzhou have seen similar rises.
Most patients suffer from fever,
sunstroke or related acute diseases.
The heat wave has been passing over
Guangdong Province since the middle of last week, with temperatures in more than
40 cities and counties in the province hitting 35 C over the past four days,
according to the Guangdong Observatory.
Observatory official Huang Zhong
said the scorching temperatures would last until Thursday, when heavy rain is
expected.
The drought in the western part of Guangdong has become even
more severe because of the hot weather, said sources from the Guangdong
Provincial Bureau of Water Conservancy.
The heat wave, however, has
spurred the sales of air-conditioners and electric fans across
Guangzhou.
And business is also booming at karaoke bars, cinemas and
shopping centres with air-conditioning.
The steamy weather is also
influencing fashion, with lower collars and backless clothing becoming popular
in the southern metropolis.
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