Europe's heatwave kills over 1,300 as roads buckle, traffic signals melt and power grids come under strain

By The South Asia Times

GENEVA - More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 as an intense and prolonged heatwave continues to grip the continent, prompting health warnings, infrastructure failures and widespread disruption, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Tedros described the soaring temperatures as a growing public health emergency, warning that Europe is experiencing the effects of climate change more rapidly than any other continent.

"Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average. Right now 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling. Driven by climate change and global warming, the phenomenon of the “once-in-a-generation” heatwave is now occurring nearly annual, " he said and adding "We were warned. More than 1300 excess deaths have been recorded since 21 June linked to high temperatures in Europe. Heat stress is often called the “silent killer” – and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures."

He added that WHO is working with its Member States and partners to address the health threats posed by extreme heat through focusing on preparedness, prevention and stronger health system responses.

"In particular, we are encouraging European countries to implement heat health action plans, as part of the broader agenda to protect health against climate change."

The scorching temperatures have triggered widespread disruption across several European countries.

In France, authorities closed hundreds of schools as classrooms became too hot for students, while electricity demand surged amid heavy use of air conditioning. Emergency services reported a sharp increase in heat-related illnesses.

In Germany, sections of roads and highways buckled under the intense heat, forcing speed restrictions and repairs. Rail operators also warned of delays as high temperatures affected tracks and overhead power lines.

In the United Kingdom, transport operators reported softened road surfaces and localized rail disruptions, while some traffic signals malfunctioned or partially melted under the extreme heat, causing delays and traffic congestion. Health authorities urged vulnerable people to remain indoors during the hottest hours of the day.

Across southern Europe, including parts of Spain, Italy and Greece, temperatures climbed well above seasonal averages, increasing the risk of wildfires and placing additional strain on water supplies and electricity networks.

Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme heat events worldwide. Europe has experienced several record-breaking summers in recent years, with heatwaves becoming longer, more widespread and more deadly.