The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that over 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded in Europe since June 21, linked to the record-breaking heatwave sweeping the continent. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described heat stress as a 'silent killer' and warned that European homes, workplaces, and schools were not built for such temperatures.
Record Temperatures Across Europe
More than 191 million people in Europe experienced temperatures of at least 35°C over the past week. Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary all reached record temperatures exceeding 40°C on Sunday. The UK broke its June temperature record for three consecutive days, peaking at 37.3°C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Friday. Several other weather stations surpassed the previous June record of 35.6°C set in 1976 and 1957.
Health System Strain
In England, at least three hospitals declared critical incidents due to extreme heat. University Hospital Southampton reported 'significant pressure' on services, cancelling planned operations and outpatient appointments. Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also declared critical incidents on Wednesday. France recorded around 1,000 excess deaths since Wednesday alone, with temperatures reaching 44.3°C in Pissos, southwest France, marking the hottest day on record.
Vulnerable Populations
French health officials noted that most heat-related fatalities involved older people, with numbers expected to rise as data from care homes and private homes becomes available. Tedros emphasised that climate change has turned 'once-in-a-generation' heatwaves into nearly annual events. Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average.
Call for Action
The WHO is working with member states to address health threats from extreme heat through preparedness, prevention, and stronger health system responses. Tedros urged European countries to implement heat health action plans to protect public health amid rising temperatures.
