WHO: Over 1,300 Excess Deaths Linked to Record-Breaking European Heatwave
The WHO reports more than 1,300 excess deaths in Europe since June 21 due to the heatwave, with France recording around 1,000 additional deaths since Wednesday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said Sunday that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded in Europe since June 21 linked to the record-breaking heatwave scorching much of the continent. French health officials reported around 1,000 more deaths than expected in the country since Wednesday.
The heatwave is moving eastward, with temperatures particularly intense in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. The Czech Republic set its second temperature record in two days on Sunday: 41.1°C in Doksany north of Prague, according to the CHMI meteorological institute. The institute noted this is the first time a temperature of 41°C has been officially recorded, and readings are still rising.
According to forecasts from the German Meteorological Service and data compiled by Austrian NGO Klimadashboard, at least 191 million people in Europe will endure temperatures of at least 35°C on Sunday. A total of 381 million people (excluding Turkey) will see temperatures above 30°C.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that millions across Europe are living under extreme heat, with hundreds dead, schools closed, and power grids strained. He emphasized that climate change is turning once-in-a-generation heatwaves into nearly annual events, and Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average.
Tedros called on European countries to implement heat health action plans to protect health from climate change threats. The UN health agency is working with member states to strengthen preparedness and health system responses.
