The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe’s unprecedented early-season heatwave may be responsible for hundreds of additional fatalities.
Extreme temperatures continued to sweep eastward on Sunday, shattering previous records in nations such as Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
In a statement shared via X, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that more than 1,30-excess deaths have been documented since June 21, directly attributed to the intense heat across the continent.
“Heat stress is often referred to as a’silent killer,’ particularly as European homes, workplaces, and educational institutions were not designed to withstand such extreme temperatures,” Tedros remarked.
The French national health ministry reported on Sunday that the country has seen approximately 1,000 more deaths than anticipated since Wednesday.
According to the agency, the surge in mortality is most prevalent among citizens aged 65 and older, following a 40% increase in home-based fatalities.
“Europe is currently the fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising at twice the global average,” Tedros cautioned.
He further emphasized that millions of residents are currently enduring extreme heat, which has resulted in numerous deaths, school closures, and significant strain on power grids.
