CAIRO: At least 21 people have died and 66 others suffered exhaustion in Egypt due to a severe heatwave that is sweeping across the Arab country .

Fifteen people have died in the capital Cairo, four in Matrouh city and two in the Upper Egyptian city of Qena, the ministry of health said in a statement on Sunday.

The temperature reached 39 degrees Celsius in Cairo and 45 degrees Celsius in the Upper Egypt governorates on Saturday, according to the Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA).

The people have been advised to keep away from the direct sunlight.

The heat wave is expected to continue until August 25.

