Europe Heatwave Claims Over 1,300 Excess Deaths, Says WHO

GENEVA: (Web Desk) – More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 as an intense heatwave continues to grip the continent, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Temperatures have exceeded 40°C in several parts of Europe this week, placing hospitals and emergency services under increasing pressure and triggering a sharp rise in emergency calls.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a social media post on Sunday that homes, offices, and schools across Europe were not designed to withstand such extreme temperatures.

France’s public health agency reported nearly 1,000 excess deaths since Wednesday compared with expected mortality levels, noting an unusual spike in fatalities beginning on June 24.

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Meanwhile, in the eastern German city of Leipzig, tram services have been suspended until Monday morning after extreme heat damaged infrastructure. Melting asphalt, warped tram tracks, and damaged rail joints have made operations unsafe, authorities said.

Officials continue to urge people across Europe to take precautions as the heatwave persists.