Online Reporter
GENEVA. – More than 1 300 excess deaths linked to high temperatures have been recorded across Europe since June 21, World Health Organisation director-deneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said yesterday on social media platform X.
The record-shattering heatwave has tightened its grip on Europe, leaving casualties, causing power outages, forcing landmarks to close or reduce opening hours, and straining health systems, as scientists warned the continent is entering a new era of extreme summers driven by climate change.
France bore the brunt of the heatwave. The mercury hit 40.3 degrees Celsius in Paris last week, while temperatures climbed as high as 43.8 degrees Celsius elsewhere. A top-level red alert was issued for a record 58 departments, covering most of the country, as the Meteo-France weather agency warned of a high risk of wildfires amid worsening drought.
Germany was not far behind. On Saturday, temperatures reached 41.5 degrees Celsius in the eastern community of Moeckern-Drewitz, setting a new national record,
The human cost has been severe. In Poland, at least 30 people have drowned since early June as soaring temperatures drove many to rivers and lakes to seek relief. – Xinhua.
