Heatwave across Europe may have caused over 1,300 deaths, WHO estimates

An unprecedented heatwave gripping Europe in recent days may have claimed over 1,300 lives, according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

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An extreme heatwave that has swept across Europe in recent days may have cost over a thousand lives, according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, WHO.

Tedros reported that more than 1,300 deaths have been linked to the extreme heat in Europe since June 21. Elderly individuals are considered particularly vulnerable. In France, a significant increase in deaths occurred in homes during the heatwave, and at least 74 people have drowned in rivers, lakes, and ponds since the heatwave began, many in unguarded areas.

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Tedros says over 1,300 deaths have been attributed to the high heat in Europe since June 21.

Record temperatures were registered across the continent. Germany recorded 41.7 degrees Celsius, the Czech Republic reached 41.1 degrees, and Poland saw temperatures of 40.5 degrees. Tedros highlighted that European homes, workplaces, and schools are generally not designed to withstand such extreme heat.

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Elderly people are considered particularly vulnerable, and in France, deaths of people in their homes have increased significantly while the heatwave has raged.

He also warned that Europe is warming at double the global average rate and urged governments to implement targeted measures to safeguard the public. The heatwave has led to school closures and strained healthcare and electricity systems. The article also briefly mentions police using water cannons on people attending a Bruno Mars concert in Berlin.

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He warns that Europe is warming twice as fast as the world average and urges governments to take targeted action to protect the public.