Europe Heatwave Kills Over 1,300, France Worst Hit

Europe is facing one of its most severe heatwaves in recent years, with more than 1,300 heat-related deaths reported since June 21. The extreme temperatures have forced school closures, overwhelmed hospitals, and disrupted normal life across several countries, with France emerging as the worst-affected nation.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ongoing heatwave has significantly increased pressure on healthcare systems as hospitals continue to receive a growing number of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.

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France Records Sharp Rise in Deaths

French health authorities reported that the country has recorded around 1,000 more deaths than expected since Wednesday, highlighting the devastating impact of the prolonged heatwave. Officials say the unusually high temperatures have created an unprecedented public health emergency.

WHO Warns Asia Could Be Next

The WHO estimates that around 490,000 people die globally every year due to heat-related causes, with nearly 45% of those deaths occurring in Asia. Health experts now warn that rising temperatures driven by climate change could expose Asian countries, including India, to a similar public health crisis.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that more than 1,300 excess deaths linked to extreme heat have been reported across Europe since June 21.

“Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’. Many homes, offices and schools across Europe were never designed to withstand such extreme temperatures,”

Climate Change Intensifying the Threat

The WHO also noted that climate change is making extreme heat events more frequent and severe. Over the past two decades, heat-related deaths among people aged 65 years and above have increased dramatically.

Experts warn that heatwaves are no longer just weather events but have become one of the biggest public health threats due to the combined effects of climate change and rapid urbanization.

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