Victorian Department of Health and Human Services has announced that a ninth person has died due to thunderstorm asthma. Through a statement, the department has confirmed that the number of lives lost has risen after the Nov. 21 storm in Melbourne, which has caused 8,500 Victorians to seek hospital care.

The mass asthma attack was triggered by an abrupt drop in temperature from peaks of 35C. The temperature drop was accompanied by severe thunderstorms and winds. Pollen was swept into the air and shattered into small particles that entered residents’ lungs.

Thunderstorm asthma has claimed eight lives over a week following the storm. The ninth victim was then in critical condition in intensive care.

Among the victims of the thunderstorm asthma were Hope Carnevali (20), Omar Moujalled (18), Apollo Papadopoulos (35), and Clarence Leo. News.com.au has learned that Carnevali has lost her life in the arms of a family member while waiting for an ambulance. Moujalled, on the other hand, was on his way to the hospital when he died.

Paramedics attempted to revive Papadopoulos, but did not make it. Leo has passed away early in the morning when the incident happened. All other patients have been sent home.

Meanwhile, the health department has assured that no thunderstorm activity triggering asthma can be expected. The pollen season is now over in Victoria.

However, a spokesperson of the health department has stressed in a statement that people dealing with asthma needs to continue to take medication as usual. Asthmatics are also advised to seek help as required by their health professional.

In relation to the mass asthma event, the Victorian Government will review the public health system's response to the cases. Ambulance Victoria has also confirmed a statement to announce that an official investigation will be carried out.

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