Jakarta, ThedailyID — Europe’s ongoing heatwave has claimed more than 1,300 excess lives since June 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called heat stress a “silent killer.” He warned that Europe lacks homes, workplaces and schools designed to cope with prolonged extreme heat.
Tedros said millions of people are enduring dangerous temperatures. He added that authorities have closed schools in several areas. Power grids and healthcare systems also face growing pressure.
France recorded about 1,000 excess deaths since June 24, making it one of the countries hit hardest by the heatwave.
Forecasters expect temperatures above 35°C to affect at least 191 million people across Europe. More than 380 million people could also experience temperatures above 30°C.
Health officials urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours and check on older adults and other vulnerable people.
