The World Health Organisation has confirmed that excess deaths across Europe during the ongoing heatwave have reached 1,300, with temperatures soaring past 40°C in several countries. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the figure, calculated from last Sunday when abnormally high temperatures began to be recorded in nations including France, Germany, and Italy.
WHO warning on extreme heat
In a post on X, Dr Tedros stated: 'Right now 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling. Driven by climate change and global warming, the phenomenon of the “once-in-a-generation” heatwave is now occurring nearly annual.' He emphasised that European infrastructure was not designed for such temperatures, noting that 'European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures.'
Impact in France
France has been particularly affected, with around 36,000 homes left without power following heatwave-related storms. These storms caused the Eiffel Tower to be struck by lightning and brought golf ball-sized hail that stripped tiles from roofs. Further storms are expected to hit the country tonight.
Italy's heatwave peak
Italy is experiencing the peak of its heatwave today, with temperatures approaching 40°C. News agency Ansa reported the death of an 82-year-old tourist on a beach in Marina di Grosseto, on the Tuscany coast, highlighting the direct human toll of the extreme conditions.
Record-breaking temperatures
Germany, Denmark, and Czechia have preliminarily broken their all-time temperature records, while France and Switzerland have set new records for June heat. The UK, which saw its June record broken three days in a row—reaching 37.3°C in Santon Downham on Friday—is now seeing temperatures fall below 20°C in areas like London for the first time in several days.
WHO response
Dr Tedros outlined the WHO's strategy, stating: 'WHO is working with its Member States and partners to address the health threats posed by extreme heat through focusing on preparedness, prevention and stronger health system responses.' The organisation continues to monitor the situation as the heatwave persists across the continent.
