An unprecedented heatwave sweeping across Europe has led to more than 1,300 excess deaths since June 21, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Over 191 million individuals in Europe experienced temperatures exceeding 35C in the past week, with countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary reaching record highs surpassing 40C.

In the UK, a new June temperature record was set at 37.3C in Suffolk. Several weather stations also broke previous records dating back to 1976 and 1957. As a result of the extreme heat, three hospitals in England declared critical incidents due to the overwhelming pressure on their services.

University Hospital Southampton mentioned the strain caused by the heat, leading to the cancellation of operations and appointments. Similarly, Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust declared critical incidents to address the heat-related challenges.

WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that over 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded in Europe due to the high temperatures since June 21. He emphasized the impact of heat stress and the lack of infrastructure preparedness for such extreme conditions.

In France, officials reported an increase of around 1,000 deaths since Wednesday, with the country experiencing its hottest day ever with temperatures soaring to 44.3C in Pissos. Most of the heat-related fatalities in France involved elderly individuals, with expectations of the numbers rising as more information is gathered.

Tedros stressed the increasing frequency of heatwaves due to climate change, especially in Europe, which is warming at a rate twice that of the global average. The WHO is collaborating with Member States and partners to enhance preparedness, prevention, and health system responses to extreme heat-related health risks.

He urged European nations to implement heat health action plans to safeguard public health in the face of climate change challenges.