Milan, 25 Aug. (LaPresse) – At least 35,000 more people have died this summer during the four consecutive record-breaking heatwaves in Europe, compared with the figures recorded over the same period in previous years. This is the estimate put forward by The Guardian, based on an analysis of incomplete data from just half the continent. According to provisional national figures, excess deaths in three of the EU’s largest countries – Germany, France and Spain – have already exceeded 25,000, and experts say the death toll will rise significantly once the August figures are finalised. The highest death toll was recorded in Germany, which at the end of last week reported around 14,000 heat-related deaths between 6 April and 9 August. The public health agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), stated that 9,600 people died in the single week from 22 to 28 June alone. In May, the World Health Organisation stated that heat-related mortality in the European region has risen by over 30 per cent over the last 20 years and is set to increase significantly due to the climate crisis and an ageing population.
Heatwave, The Guardian: ‘At least 35,000 deaths during heatwaves in Europe’
Milan, 25 Aug. (LaPresse) – At least 35,000 more people have died this summer during the four consecutive record-breaking heatwaves in Europe, compared with the figures recorded over the same period in previous years. This is the estimate put forward by The Guardian, based on an analysis of incomplete data from just half the continent. According to provisional national figures, excess deaths in three of the EU’s largest countries – Germany, France and Spain – have already exceeded 25,000, and experts say the death toll will rise significantly once the August figures are finalised. The highest death toll was recorded in Germany, which at the end of last week reported around 14,000 heat-related deaths between 6 April and 9 August. The public health agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), stated that 9,600 people died in the single week from 22 to 28 June alone. In May, the World Health Organisation stated that heat-related mortality in the European region has risen by over 30 per cent over the last 20 years and is set to increase significantly due to the climate crisis and an ageing population.