Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, making it the fastest-heating continent on Earth. Currently, about 150 million people are enduring extreme heat, leading to hundreds of deaths, school closures, and overloaded power grids, stated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), on X on 28/6.

Mr. Tedros reported that WHO has recorded over 1,300 "excess deaths" across Europe, potentially linked to unusually high temperatures.

Excess deaths are a health statistical indicator calculated by subtracting the average normal number of deaths from the same period in previous years from the total actual deaths during a crisis period, such as a natural disaster, extreme heat, or epidemic.

Mr. Tedros warned that heat stress illnesses, caused by the body enduring excessive heat from the environment, are a "silent killer". He emphasized that homes, workplaces, and schools in Europe were not designed to withstand current temperatures.

Catholic faithful brave the sun to hear Pope Leo XIV preach at St. Peter's Square in Vatican on 24/6. Photo: AP

According to AFP estimates based on weather reports, approximately 191 million people in Europe experienced temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius or higher on 28/6. Germany, Czech, Hungary, and Poland were among the most severely affected regions.

An analysis by Austrian organization Klimadashboard, using data from the German Meteorological Agency and the European Union Joint Research Center, indicates that around 381 million people in Europe, excluding Turkey, will experience temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.

In France, health officials announced on the morning of 28/6 that the country recorded about 1,000 "excess deaths" in just a few days since 24/6, when a heatwave enveloped most of its territory.

Forecast for 18-30/6 shows 45% of cities in Western Europe have exceeded or are about to exceed their highest historically recorded temperature marks. Graphics: WWA

WHO stated it is collaborating with member states and partners to strengthen preparedness, prevention, and the health system's capacity to respond to threats from extreme heat.

Mr. Tedros urged European countries to promptly implement heat action plans to protect public health, considering this a vital part of adapting to increasingly severe climate change.

Thanh Danh (According to AFP)