Over 1,300 people have died so far due to the scorching heat in Europe, WHO said – silent killer:

Read, Digital Desk : Europe is currently facing record-breaking heat. The World Health Organization reported on Sunday that more than 1,300 additional deaths have been recorded in Europe due to heatwaves since June 21. Extreme temperatures in many parts of the continent have put a huge strain on health services and the death toll is continuously rising in many countries. This deadly heatwave is now rapidly moving towards the eastern parts of Europe.

French health officials reported on Sunday morning that their country had recorded nearly 1,000 more deaths than expected since Wednesday alone. People are bracing for extreme temperatures over the weekend, and several countries have warned of overwhelmed healthcare facilities.

Heat is becoming a silent killer

More than 1,300 additional deaths linked to high temperatures have been recorded in Europe, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media platform X.

He described heat-related physical stress as a silent killer. He also pointed out that European homes, workplaces, and schools were not designed to withstand such extreme temperatures.

People are forced to endure extreme temperatures

At least 191 million people in Europe faced temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius or above on Sunday, according to an AFP tally. Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland were particularly hard hit by the heat.

According to data compiled by the Austrian NGO ClimaDashboard, 381 million people in Europe, excluding Turkey, will face temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.

The once-in-a-generation heatwave that occurs every year

Tedros warned that millions across the continent are currently living in extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools have been closed and power grids are collapsing. “Due to climate change and global warming, once-in-a-generation heatwaves are now occurring almost annually,” he said.

He also stressed that Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, with temperatures rising twice as fast as the global average. WHO is working closely with its Member States and partners to address these health threats posed by extreme heat.

According to the WHO chief, the health agency’s main focus is on emergency preparedness, preventive measures and strengthening the health system to reduce future losses.