The fatal heatwave in Europe has already killed nearly 300 people, with several countries seeing temperatures go over 40°C, causing schools to close, and daily activities to be interrupted, and putting strain on healthcare systems.
Extreme heat has been recorded as the highest death toll in Spain with the country’s MoMo mortality monitoring system estimating that extreme heat caused 212 deaths between June 21 to June 24.
This is based on excess mortality associated with abnormally high temperatures, not on individual cases of heat stroke.
The losses have been massive in France as well. At least 48 people drowned as they tried to cool off in rivers, lakes and other swimming areas, authorities said.
Three young children have also died in separate incidents after being left in cars, adding to the nation’s death toll from heatwaves of at least 51.
The German Life Saving Association reports that over 20 people have drowned in swimming accidents in Germany.
Read more: Parents urge govt to suspend summer camps amid intense heatwave
Five people have died of heat-related illness in Italy, including a vineyard worker in extreme heat near Piacenza.
The total of the four countries’ tolls is greater than 288, but officials note that the numbers are not strictly comparable.
The totals for Spain include estimated excess heat-related deaths, and those for Germany are primarily drownings and other events related to individuals who tried to beat the heat.
Meteorologists called the phenomenon “Omega block”, which has brought the heatwave, is a slow-moving system that has been keeping hot air trapped over much of Europe, with temperatures in some places reaching 18°C above average for the time of year.
Cities in Italy have been put under red heat alerts and there are limitations on outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day.
Officials are still encouraging people to drink water and stay out of the sun, and to check on elderly and sick people, as the heat wave is expected to continue, raising the risk of additional fatalities.
Also read: Deadly heatwave claims lives across Europe as record temperatures shatter historic highs
