WHO: Over 1,300 excess deaths in Europe linked to record-breaking heatwave as temperatures top 41°C
The World Health Organization says more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since June 21 as a brutal heatwave shatters temperature records in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.
WHO warning
The World Health Organization has linked more than 1,300 excess deaths across Europe to the extreme heat that has gripped the continent since June 21. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 150 million people are currently living under extreme heat, with hundreds dead, schools closed and power grids struggling to cope.
Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, warming at twice the global average. Right now, 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools have closed, power grids are failing.
Temperature records shattered
Multiple national heat records fell over the weekend. Germany recorded 41.7°C in Neißemünde near the Polish border on Sunday, its third consecutive day of all-time highs. Poland set a new national record of 40.5°C in Słubice, while the Czech Republic reached 41.1°C in Doksany north of Prague, its second record in two days. The heatwave is now moving eastward.
- WHO begins recording excess deaths linked to high temperatures across Europe
- Germany records 41.7°C in Neißemünde, third consecutive national record
- Poland sets new national record of 40.5°C in Słubice
- Czech Republic records 41.1°C in Doksany, second record in two days
- WHO Director-General warns of over 1,300 excess deaths and 150 million people under extreme heat
France death toll
France reported approximately 1,000 excess deaths over a three-day period at the heatwave's peak, according to the national public health agency. On the hottest day, daily deaths exceeded 1,200, rising above 1,400 the following day and on Friday. Before the heatwave, daily deaths ranged between 900 and 1,000. Officials say 85% of victims were over 65, and the highest mortality increases occurred in regions under red alert, which covered roughly three-quarters of the country.
Climate change link
A new study by World Weather Attribution concludes that the extreme temperatures and high humidity recorded last week would not have been possible without climate change. Scientists estimate such an event was almost impossible five decades ago and is now about 200 times more likely than it was 20 years ago. Tedros noted that heatwaves once considered a once-in-a-generation event are now occurring almost annually.
Because of climate change and global warming, the once-in-a-generation heatwave is now occurring almost annually. We were warned.
Silent killer
Tedros described heat stress as a "silent killer," pointing out that most European homes, workplaces and schools were not designed for such extreme conditions. He earlier noted that 500,000 people die annually from heat-related causes worldwide, many of them preventable with proper measures. He called on governments to strengthen prevention plans and health system preparedness.
