A deadly heatwave sweeping across Western Europe has resulted in hundreds of deaths, with France and Spain experiencing record-breaking temperatures. The mercury has soared to 44°C in some areas, leading to a surge in fatalities.
France and Spain Bear the Brunt
France recorded its hottest day ever, while Spain reached its highest daily average temperature since 1950. Between Monday and Wednesday, 213 deaths were reported in Spain. In France, more than 50 people died, with at least three-quarters of the fatalities attributed to drowning as people sought to cool off. A tragic incident involved a three-year-old boy found dead in a car in Paris, the third child to die in similar circumstances this week, after slipping into the vehicle with child locks activated.
Italy and Germany Also Affected
In Italy, four people died on Wednesday, including a homeless person in Naples, two farmers in northern provinces, and a man in Lombardy. Authorities placed 17 cities under the highest-level heat alert. In Germany, a 23-year-old drowned in a lake near Rheinstetten, and three others went missing while swimming in the Rhine River.
UK Extends Red Warning
The UK's Met Office extended a red extreme heat warning into Friday, with temperatures expected to reach 38°C in southern England. The warning highlighted high humidity and warm nights, reducing recovery ability. An amber warning will follow on Saturday, affecting 31 areas with temperatures peaking at 32-34°C in London and East Anglia.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire warned of an "increase in mortality" due to the heat. He noted that those at risk are often healthy individuals aged 50-70 who underestimate the danger. "Really, protect yourselves," he urged.
The World Health Organisation's Europe office reported that over 200,000 people died from heat-related causes across Europe in the last four years, with most fatalities preventable.
