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Europe's heatwave linked to hundreds of deaths as temperatures shatter records

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By The South Asia Times

LONDON/PARIS - A record-breaking heatwave sweeping across Europe has been linked to hundreds of deaths and a surge in medical emergencies, as large parts of the continent continue to endure unusually high temperatures, according to media reports and health authorities.

ABC News reported that at least 101 million Europeans were expected to face temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius on Thursday, with several countries setting new records for June.

In Spain, the MoMo mortality monitoring system said 212 deaths recorded between Sunday and Wednesday were potentially linked to the extreme heat. The country has experienced some of its highest June temperatures on record.

The United Kingdom recorded its hottest June day ever on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 36.4 degrees Celsius in Somerset. The London Ambulance Service said it responded to a record 642 life-threatening emergencies on Wednesday, including cardiac arrests and severe respiratory cases, with officials attributing the surge to the heat.

France also reported several heat-related fatalities. Authorities said three deaths in the northern Pas-de-Calais region were likely linked to high temperatures, while emergency services recorded a sharp increase in heat-related hospital visits and cardiac arrests.

Germany has meanwhile reported more than 20 swimming-related deaths since last weekend as people sought relief from the heat.

Climate experts said the extreme temperatures were being driven by a "heat dome" of hot air originating from North Africa, trapped over Europe by a persistent high-pressure system.