More than 1,300 excess deaths recorded in Europe heatwave - WHO

Europe is grappling with the deadly consequences of a severe heatwave, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting over 1,300 excess deaths across the continent since June 21. The extreme temperatures, which have gripped much of Europe, are moving eastward, leading to rising death tolls and straining health services.

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more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since 21 June linked to high temperatures in Europe

In France alone, health officials indicated around 1,000 more deaths than expected have occurred since Wednesday. The WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described heat stress as a "silent killer," noting that European homes, workplaces, and schools were not built to withstand such high temperatures. Millions across the continent are enduring extreme heat, with hundreds of fatalities reported, schools closed, and power grids buckling under the strain.

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Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ – and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures

Forecasts indicate that at least 191 million people in Europe will experience temperatures of 35°C (95°F) or higher on Sunday, with Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland facing particularly intense heat. Analysis suggests that 381 million people in Europe, excluding Turkey, will see temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F).

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Driven by climate change and global warming, the phenomenon of the ‘once-in-a-generation’ heatwave is now occurring nearly annual

Ghebreyesus attributed the phenomenon of "once-in-a-generation" heatwaves occurring almost annually to climate change and global warming, highlighting that Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average. The WHO is collaborating with member states and partners to address the health threats by focusing on preparedness, prevention, and strengthening health system responses. The organization is calling on European countries to implement heat health action plans to safeguard public health against the impacts of climate change.

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Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average