More than 270 dead; Europe's record-breaking heatwave continues to claim lives

Kabul Times News | Sami Jahesh

More than 270 dead; Europe's record-breaking heatwave continues to claim lives

The death toll from an unprecedented heatwave in Europe surpassed 270 on Thursday, July 24, as several European countries set new temperature records and health officials warned of rising casualties.

Spain has reported the highest number of deaths, with 212 heat-related deaths between June 21 and July 22. Most of the fatalities are elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

In France, at least 55 people have drowned while trying to escape the extreme heat, and several deaths from heatstroke have been reported, including several children. At the same time, the country's hospitals have been overwhelmed by an unprecedented surge in heatwave patients, with some health services in a state of emergency.

In Germany, the heatwave has also been accompanied by record temperatures, disruptions to rail transport and a rise in accidents, with at least several people losing their lives to heatstroke and drowning.

In recent days, temperatures have reached 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher in large parts of Europe. This has led to school closures, disruptions to transport networks, pressure on electricity and healthcare networks, and the cancellation of some public events.

Experts from the World Meteorological Organization and climate researchers have stressed that human-induced climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of such extreme heatwaves. European officials have also warned that the number of victims is likely to continue to rise as the extreme heat continues in the coming days.