130 sudden deaths reported around Vancouver within 5 days as Canada records its hottest temperatures ever

• Canada is experiencing record high temperatures as a result of a heat wave.
• Police said that "sadly dozens of people are dying because of it."
• Vancouver police responded to over 130 sudden deaths in recent days, and said heat was a big factor.

Dozens of people have died unexpectedly in the Vancouver area as Canada battles a devastating heat wave.

Police said they responded to more than 130 sudden deaths between Friday and Wednesday, and said heat was often a factor, the BBC reported.

Authorities in the Burnaby area, which neighbors Vancouver, said on Monday that more than 25 people died within 24 hours, with most of the deaths being of seniors, the country's Global News reported.

Canada's heat wave started on Friday, and on Monday it set 103 new heat records, according to Environment Canada, the AP reported.

That includes a new Canadian record for highest temperature, as 118 degrees (47.9 degrees Celsius) was recorded.

Sgt. Steve Addison of the Vancouver PD said in a statement, according to the Associated Press: "Vancouver has never experienced heat like this, and sadly dozens of people are dying because of it."