Death Toll in California Heat Wave Reaches 130

http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-07-29-voa14.cfm

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The heat wave is also harming the state's agriculture industry. Cattle are dying, reducing milk supplies. State officials have waived regulations on the disposal of dead animals to help farmers deal with the high number of carcasses.

Agriculture experts say peach, plum, nectarine and walnut crops have been destroyed this year.

California farm losses could drive up national food prices in coming months.

The heat generated an increased demand on the state's electrical grid, causing power outages at a time when air conditioning is most important. More than one million people have been left without power at some point during the heat wave.
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