The World Health Organization (WHO) has attributed more than 1,300 deaths in Europe to extreme heat, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
The toll comes as Europe grapples with a severe heatwave, with the continent logging record-breaking temperatures, particularly in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
In a post on X, Ghebreyesus said, “More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since 21 June linked to high temperatures in Europe.”
According to BBC reports, France’s national health ministry said there had been around 1,000 more deaths than expected in the country since Wednesday.
French authorities said many of the fatalities were among people aged 65 and above, with a 40% increase in deaths recorded at home.
In Germany, the country recorded its hottest day ever for the third consecutive day, with temperatures reaching 41.7°C on Sunday, the BBC reported.
Meanwhile, a weather station in Coschen near the Polish border in eastern Brandenburg also recorded a temperature of 41.7°C, while the Czech Republic logged 41.1°C.
“Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average. Right now 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling,” the WHO chief said on X.
The extreme heat, Ghebreyesus said, is driven by climate change and global warming.
“Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ — and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures,” he said.
To address the health threats, the WHO chief said the organization is working with member states to strengthen response efforts.
“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,” he said.
He added, “In particular, we are encouraging European countries to implement heat health action plans, as part of the broader agenda to protect health against climate change.”
