WHO: 1,300 deaths due to heatwave in Europe

Written by: Ayman Ragab

The World Health Organization announced on Sunday that more than 1,300 people have died as a result of the heat wave that has been hitting Europe since June 21, as temperatures continue to rise and its impact expands to a number of European countries.

The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said in a post on the “X” platform that more than 1,300 additional deaths have been recorded since June 21 as a result of the extreme heat in Europe.

One million people are currently living in conditions of extreme heat.

He added that one million people are currently living in conditions of extreme heat, while hundreds have died, schools have been closed, and electricity networks are under great pressure, according to Agence France-Presse.

Tens of millions across Europe are facing high temperatures over the weekend as the heatwave moves eastward across the continent, while some countries have reported rising death tolls and health services have warned they are nearing their maximum capacity.

French health officials reported on Sunday morning that nearly 1,000 more deaths than expected had been recorded since Wednesday in France.

Ghebreyesus noted that heat stress is often known as the ”silent killer,” explaining that homes, workplaces and schools in Europe were not designed to withstand such high temperatures.

At least 191 million people are expected to be affected by temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius during a period starting Sunday, with the heat wave being particularly intense in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, according to AFP analysis.

Heat waves that used to occur once in a generation are now almost annual.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization confirmed that millions of people across Europe are currently living under the weight of extreme heat, noting that hundreds have died, schools have closed, and electricity networks are facing enormous pressure.

He explained that heat waves, which used to occur once every generation, are now almost annual as a result of climate change and global warming, noting that Europe is the fastest-rising continent in the world in terms of temperature, at a rate that is twice the global average.

He added that the World Health Organization continues to work with member states and partners to address the health risks posed by extreme heat waves, by strengthening preparedness and prevention measures and supporting the response of health systems.

Ghebreyesus called on European countries to implement health action plans to deal with the effects of heat waves, as part of efforts to protect public health in the face of the repercussions of climate change.