Europe scorched by deadly heat and violent storms as wildfires rage
Europe is facing a wave of extreme weather, with deadly heat, destructive storms and major wildfires affecting several countries.
Belgium recorded around 2,000 excess deaths during the heatwave between June 18 and July 3, according to the public health institute Sciensano.
The revised figure represents a 48% increase in expected mortality after delayed death registrations and additional monitoring days were included.
Wallonia was the worst-affected region, followed by Brussels and Flanders. Officials said the heatwave caused the highest excess mortality recorded in Belgium since monitoring began in 2000.
Deadly storms batter France and Switzerland
Severe thunderstorms swept across France and Switzerland, causing fatalities, flooding, power outages and widespread disruption.
In France, two people were killed after a falling tree and a lightning-triggered fire, while around 53,000 households were left without electricity.
Emergency crews responded to hundreds of incidents involving damaged roofs, fallen trees and transport disruptions as powerful winds, hail and thousands of lightning strikes battered several regions.
In neighboring Switzerland, firefighters carried out hundreds of rescue operations after torrential rain flooded buildings and roads.
More than 26,000 lightning strikes were recorded during the storms, while authorities issued fresh warnings for additional thunderstorms, flash floods, landslides and hail.
The Montreux Jazz Festival temporarily evacuated lakeside stages before performances resumed later in the evening.
Spain battles largest wildfire of the year
Spain continues to battle its largest wildfire of 2026 after flames scorched around 12,000 hectares in the northeastern Zaragoza region.
More than 1,100 residents have been evacuated from six municipalities as hundreds of firefighters, supported by aircraft, work to contain the blaze.
Authorities said the fire remains highly active, with a perimeter stretching roughly 60 kilometers.
Additional wildfires are burning in Guadalajara and near Madrid, prompting further evacuations, lockdowns and the deployment of Spain's Military Emergency Unit.
Police have arrested a suspect over the Madrid-area wildfire as investigators examine the cause.
Extreme weather raises climate concerns
Authorities across Europe say high temperatures, prolonged dry conditions, strong winds and low humidity have intensified the impact of heatwaves and wildfires.
Experts also point to climate change and changing land use as key factors increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events across the continent.
Source:AA
