Over 1,300 additional deaths have been reported in Europe since June 21 due to the unprecedented heatwave that has affected the continent, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). More than 191 million people in Europe experienced temperatures of at least 35C in the past week, with countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary reaching record highs of over 40C on Sunday.
The UK set a new June temperature record with 37.3C recorded in Suffolk on Friday, surpassing previous records dating back to 1976 and 1957. Several hospitals in England declared critical incidents as the country faced a rare red warning for extreme heat. University Hospital Southampton mentioned the strain on its services due to the heat, leading to the cancellation of planned operations and outpatient appointments.
Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also declared critical incidents. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that over 1,300 excess deaths have been linked to high temperatures in Europe since June 21. He emphasized the challenges posed by heat stress and the lack of infrastructure to cope with extreme temperatures.
French health authorities reported around 1,000 more deaths than expected in the country since Wednesday, with France experiencing its hottest day ever on a national scale, reaching 44.3C in Pissos. Most of the heat-related fatalities in France involved elderly individuals, with expectations of the number rising as more data is collected from care facilities and private residences.
Tedros noted the increasing frequency of ‘once-in-a-generation’ heatwaves due to climate change, particularly affecting Europe as the continent experiences double the global average warming rate. The WHO is collaborating with Member States and partners to address health risks posed by extreme heat by focusing on preparedness, prevention, and enhancing health system responses. Tedros urged European nations to prioritize implementing heat health action plans to safeguard public health in the changing climate landscape.