Over 1,300 additional deaths have been reported in Europe since June 21 due to the unprecedented heatwave that has affected the continent, as confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
With more than 191 million individuals experiencing temperatures of at least 35C in Europe over the past week, countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary saw record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40C on Sunday.
In the UK, a new June temperature record was set for three consecutive days, peaking at 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Friday. Several weather stations surpassed the previous records set in 1976 and 1957.
As extreme heat persisted, three hospitals in England declared critical incidents due to the rare red warning issued for intense heat across the country.
University Hospital Southampton mentioned the strain caused by the extreme heat on its services, leading to cancellations of planned operations and outpatient appointments. Similarly, Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust declared critical incidents to manage the situation.
The WHO reported more than 1,300 excess deaths in Europe since June 21 linked to the high temperatures. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the impact of heat stress is significant, highlighting the unpreparedness of European infrastructure for such extreme temperatures.
In France, health officials noted a significant increase in deaths since Wednesday, with the country experiencing its hottest day on record in Pissos, reaching 44.3C. Most of the heat-related fatalities involved elderly individuals, with an expected rise in numbers as more data from care homes and private residences are gathered.
Tedros highlighted the frequency of once-in-a-generation heatwaves due to climate change, stressing that Europe is warming at twice the global average rate. He urged European nations to implement heat health action plans to safeguard public health amid climate change challenges.
The WHO is actively collaborating with Member States and partners to address health risks posed by extreme heat through enhanced preparedness, prevention, and resilient health system responses.