Europe heat wave linked to over 1,300 excess deaths as France and Italy struggle
More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 as a severe heat wave grips the continent, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday.
He said Europe is the “fastest-warming continent on Earth,” with around 150 million people exposed to extreme heat, warning that climate change is making such events more frequent and deadly.
France reports around 1,000 excess deaths in five days
France has recorded about 1,000 more deaths than expected since June 24, according to Public Health France.
Most victims were over 65, with a 40% rise in deaths at home. The Paris emergency service reported 80 deaths on Saturday, including 30 cardiac arrests, though the figures only reflect its own caseload.
Authorities say hospitals remain under pressure, while heat alerts continue across much of the country.
Italy hit by peak heat and disruptions
Italy is facing peak temperatures of 39–40C under the African anticyclone “Caronte,” with health and public services under strain.
An 82-year-old man died after falling ill on a beach in Tuscany, with heat believed to be a factor.
Transport disruptions, event cancellations, and rising energy costs have been reported as the extreme heat continues.
Source:AA
