WHO: More than 1,300 people died during a heat wave that hit Europe

More than 1,300 deaths have been attributed to a heatwave that swept across Europe starting June 21, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization stated that this number represents additional fatalities linked to high temperatures during the period. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Gebrejesus emphasized that extreme heat, often referred to as the “silent killer,” has become increasingly frequent due to climate change and global warming. He noted that such heatwaves, which used to occur once per generation, now appear nearly every year.

Gebrejesus highlighted that Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating up twice as fast as the global average. Currently, 150 million people live under extreme heat conditions, with hundreds having died, schools closed, and power grids experiencing failures. The WHO is working with its member states and partners to address health risks posed by extreme heat, focusing on preparedness, prevention, and stronger responses from healthcare systems. He specifically urged European countries to implement action plans for health related to heat, as part of broader efforts to protect public health from climate change.

The warning comes after record-breaking temperatures were recorded across several European nations, including Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. In Germany, preliminary data indicated a record temperature of 41.7 degrees Celsius was measured. Poland saw a historical maximum of 40.5 degrees Celsius, while the Czech Republic reached 41.1 degrees Celsius and Hungary hit 40 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are significantly higher than usual for this time of year.

In France, the Ministry of Health reported approximately 1,000 more deaths than expected since Wednesday. A significant portion of these additional fatalities occurred among individuals over the age of 65. There has also been a notable increase in the number of deaths occurring at home, rising by 40 percent compared to typical figures. The national agency for public health, Santé Publique France, released preliminary data indicating an elevated mortality rate, suggesting the actual number could be even higher as more information becomes available from nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and private households.

The heatwave has affected millions across Europe, leading to widespread disruptions in daily life. Extreme temperatures have caused power grid issues, impacted energy production, and damaged infrastructure. Scientists describe the heatwave, which began on June 20, as the worst ever recorded in Europe, where the climate is changing faster than the global average. The heatwave is moving eastward, with parts of northeastern France still under warning due to high temperatures despite some areas experiencing a slight decrease in intensity.

France’s Minister of Health, Stéphanie Rist, warned that the effects of the heatwave might persist for up to ten days after weather conditions return to normal. This underscores the prolonged impact of such extreme weather events on both public health and infrastructure. As the situation continues to unfold, authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and adaptive measures to mitigate future risks associated with increasing global temperatures.