Europe Heatwave: Over 1,300 Excess Deaths, WHO Reports as Germany Hits 41.7°C
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that more than 1,300 excess deaths in Europe since June 21 are linked to a severe heatwave sweeping the continent. In a social media post, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that these deaths are associated with high temperatures, calling heat stress a 'silent killer' because many buildings in Europe were not designed for such heat.
On Sunday, temperature records were broken in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic as the heatwave moved eastward. Germany recorded 41.7°C, its highest ever June temperature. France's health ministry reported approximately 1,000 excess deaths since Wednesday, with a 40% increase in deaths at home among those aged 65 and older.
Tedros warned that Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average. He highlighted that millions are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are closed, and power grids are under strain.
The heatwave is part of a broader pattern of climate change, with scientists linking extreme weather events to rising global temperatures. Authorities across Europe have issued heat alerts and opened cooling centers to protect vulnerable populations.
