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Hundreds drown in Russia heatwave
Russians sweltered Friday in record-breaking temperatures as hundreds drowned in bathing accidents often influenced by alcohol.
In Moscow, the temperature rose to 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking a record for the day set in 1938 under the rule of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, according to the state weather centre.
Temperatures in 10 central Russian regions will hit 38 degrees in a heatwave lasting at least until July 22, the state weather centre forecast.
As many cooled down by swimming in rivers and ponds, often with no lifeguards, hundreds have died from drowning.
The emergency ministry said more than 400 people had drowned since the beginning of July, while 1,244 people drowned in June.
"The main reasons for people drowning is swimming in places that are not equipped and the use of alcohol," an emergency ministry spokesman told the RIA Novosti news agency.