Geneva/Paris (Web Desk/Agencies): More than 1,300 excess deaths have been associated with the severe heatwave that has gripped Europe since June 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that nearly 150 million people across the region are experiencing dangerously high temperatures, with the prolonged heat placing millions at increased health risk.
He said the extreme weather has disrupted daily life, forcing the closure of schools in some areas and putting heavy pressure on electricity infrastructure as energy demand continues to rise.
The WHO chief added that the organization is working closely with member states to improve emergency response measures and strengthen healthcare systems. He also urged European governments to fully implement heat-health action plans to reduce the impact of extreme temperatures.
Since mid-June, temperatures have exceeded 40°C in several countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, as the heatwave continues to affect large parts of the continent.
The WHO warned that climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities across Europe.
