The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that more than 1,300 people have died in Europe due to the recent heatwave. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus referred to heat-related physical stress as a “silent killer.” Europe is the fastest warming continent on Earth, with temperatures rising at nearly twice the global average rate. Kathmandu, June 29.
According to WHO, over 1,300 excess deaths linked to high temperatures have been recorded in Europe since June 21. The unprecedented early summer heatwave has significantly impacted daily life. On Sunday, multiple countries across Europe set new temperature records. Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic all reported record-breaking temperatures as the severe heatwave spreads eastward across the continent.
Ghebreyesus emphasized that heat-related physical stress is often an unrecognized “silent killer,” noting that many European homes, offices, and schools are ill-prepared to handle such extreme temperatures. According to Tedros, temperature increases in Europe are occurring at about twice the global average rate. France’s national health ministry reported over 1,000 more deaths than expected nationwide since Wednesday. The majority of these deaths were among those aged 65 and older. The ministry also highlighted a nearly 40 percent rise in deaths occurring at home.
