Europe's early summer heatwave linked to over 1,300 excess deaths

WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus stated on X that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since June 21, linked to high temperatures across Europe. He noted that "heat stress is often called the 'silent killer'" and that European infrastructure was not built for such temperatures. France's national health ministry reported approximately 1,000 more deaths than expected in the country since Wednesday, with many fatalities among those aged 65 and over, and a 40% rise in deaths at home.

Tedros warned that Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average, and that "once-in-a-generation" heatwaves are now occurring nearly annually due to climate change. He urged European countries to implement heat health action plans. The extreme weather has prompted authorities to take measures such as the cancellation of the Dutch music festival Defqon.1, and in Paris, officials banned takeaway alcohol in public and cancelled the city’s pride march to assist emergency services.