Drownings soar during Russian heat wave

People cool off in the Khimkinsky reservoir as temperatures reach more than 30 C in Moscow on July 12, 2010. REUTERS/Alexander Natruskin

According to Russia's Emergencies Ministry, one side effect of a lingering heat wave in the country has been a sharp increase in drownings, with alcohol being the chief culprit.

Between July 5 and July 12, more than 230 Russians drowned, largely because they were drunk.

The children who drowned died because the adults were too drunk to look after them, according to Vadim Seryogin, a department head at the ministry.

The heat wave is expected to last another week.