WHO reports over 1,300 heat-related deaths in Europe since June 21, warns of worsening situation

The organization also cautioned that the situation could worsen as several countries continue to experience exceptionally high temperatures. On Sunday, June 28, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on X that over 150 million people are currently exposed to extreme heat across the continent. He reiterated that Europe is the fastest-warming region globally, with temperatures rising approximately twice the world average.

The WHO emphasized that extreme heat episodes are among the deadliest climate risks, with vulnerable populations including the elderly, infants, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers being particularly exposed. The organization urged authorities to strengthen preventive measures, such as increasing health alerts, protecting vulnerable groups, and adapting healthcare systems to handle more frequent heatwaves. The heatwave is impacting much of Western and Central Europe, with France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and the Balkans experiencing temperatures locally exceeding 40 °C, leading to significant consequences for health services, transportation, and fire risks.

In France, authorities placed several departments on maximum alert, closed schools, and reinforced hospital capacities to manage the influx of patients with heat-related conditions. The WHO attributes these extreme even