Over 1,300 additional fatalities have been documented across Europe following the unprecedented heatwave that has swept through the region since June 21, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
With more than 191 million individuals in Europe experiencing temperatures exceeding 35C in the past week, countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary have reached record highs of over 40C on Sunday.
The United Kingdom set a new June temperature record for three consecutive days, peaking at 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Friday. Several weather stations surpassed the previous record of 35.6C, established on June 28, 1976, and June 29, 1957.
In England, at least three hospitals declared critical incidents due to the extreme heat, with University Hospital Southampton mentioning the strain on its services and canceling planned operations and outpatient appointments. Similarly, Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust declared critical incidents.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that over 1,300 excess deaths have been linked to high temperatures in Europe since June 21. He emphasized the impact of heat stress, labeling it the ‘silent killer,’ and noted that European infrastructures were not designed for such extreme temperatures.
French health authorities reported approximately 1,000 more deaths than expected since Wednesday, with the country experiencing its hottest day on record with temperatures soaring to 44.3C in Pissos, south-west France. Most heat-related fatalities in France involved older individuals, with expectations of a rise in numbers as more data from care and private homes become available.
Tedros pointed out the increasing frequency of ‘once-in-a-generation’ heatwaves due to climate change, particularly in Europe, which is warming at twice the global average rate. He urged European nations to implement heat health action plans to safeguard public health in the face of climate change.
The WHO chief reiterated the organization’s commitment to collaborating with Member States and partners to address health risks posed by extreme heat through preparedness, prevention, and enhanced health system responses.
