Moscow, July 16 (IANS) Over 1,200 Russians have drowned this summer after trying to find relief from a stifling heat wave - many of them after drinking alcohol, officials said.
At least 223 people, including two children, drowned between July 5 and July 12, Vadim Seryogin, an official at Russia’s Emergencies Ministry, said.

“The majority of those drowned were drunk. The children died because adults simply did not look after them,” he was quoted as saying by the CNN.

Russia has experienced record-breaking heat this summer, with temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. A state of emergency has been declared in 14 regions.

Officials have urged citizens to take a siesta in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day. Cases of heat stroke and sunburn have increased in children, and adults with heart problems and diabetes are suffering complications.