More than 1,300 deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 due to the ongoing severe heatwave, while health and transport systems have come under significant pressure. In Germany, roads and traffic lights melted, and tram tracks and joints were damaged.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recent heatwave has affected several European countries. Hospitals, rescue agencies, and emergency services are facing unprecedented pressure, while a significant increase in emergency calls has also been recorded.
WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement posted on social media that most homes, offices, and educational institutions in Europe were not built to withstand such extreme temperatures, making the effects of the heatwave even more severe.
According to France’s public health agency, Public Health France, nearly 1,000 excess deaths have been recorded since Wednesday compared to expected mortality rates, while an unusual rise in deaths has been observed since June 24.
French media reported that the number of people who died while swimming in rivers, canals, and swimming pools during the heatwave, which began on June 18, has reached 74, as large numbers of people have turned to water to escape the extreme heat.
Meanwhile, tram services in the eastern German city of Leipzig have been disrupted due to the intense heat. Authorities said that the high temperatures caused road asphalt to melt, while tram tracks and joints were also damaged in several locations. As a result, tram services have been suspended until Monday morning.
Health experts have advised elderly people, children, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, drink plenty of water, and follow precautionary measures.
