An estimated 16,000 more people than usual died across Europe during a week of extreme heat in late June, with northern European nations like France, Belgium, and Germany recording the sharpest mortality spikes.
The UK faces intensifying heatwaves, raising concerns over excess deaths, aging infrastructure, and potential food shortages. This report examines the country's preparedness and the slow political response to these challenges.
French authorities reported 5,764 excess deaths between June 17 and July 2, primarily among those 75 and older, during a heatwave. This comes as southern Europe faces extreme temperatures, with Spain battling massive wildfires and other countries experiencing heat-related issues.
Europe saw over 10,000 excess deaths in June, linked to a record-breaking heatwave. The majority of deaths were among those aged 65+, with extreme heat cited as the likely cause due to its impact on health and exacerbation of existing conditions.
Official data reveals over 10,000 excess deaths in Europe during the late June heatwave, with more than 9,000 among those aged 65+. Scientists attribute the extreme heat to human-caused climate change.
EuroMOMO reports 10,650 excess deaths in Europe during the last week of June, with over 9,000 affecting individuals over 65. This unusual surge, occurring during a heatwave, is attributed to extreme temperatures.
Over 10,650 excess deaths were recorded in Europe during the late June heatwave, with more than 9,000 among those aged 65 and above. Scientists link the extreme heat to human-caused climate change, which exacerbates heatwaves' frequency and intensity.
Europe is experiencing a deadly heatwave, with nearly 100 drowning deaths in Germany last month, the highest in over two decades. France and Spain also report significant heat-related fatalities and wildfires, leading to museum closures and event cancellations.
At least 12 people died in a wildfire in southern Spain, with four found in a burnt car and seven after fleeing on foot. Authorities suspect a fallen power line may have sparked the blaze, which spread rapidly. Residents were advised to evacuate or stay indoors, but some attempting to flee via an unrecommended route were trapped.
Vets warn that extreme temperatures are causing heatstroke in pets, even those restricted to homes and gardens, as parts of the UK face its third heatwave. Cases have increased, with animals suffering unexpectedly despite owners taking precautions against common risks like hot cars.
Health groups and doctors urge Andy Burnham to scrap the UK-US trade deal on medicines, warning it prioritizes pharmaceutical profits over NHS patients and could lead to hundreds of thousands of avoidable deaths due to increased drug costs.
A UK-US pharmaceutical trade deal may cause 229,000 excess deaths in the UK by 2036 due to diverted NHS funding, according to BMJ research, as billions are allocated to US medicines with no additional NHS funding
Spain reported 1,029 excess deaths in June attributable to heat, following a five-day heatwave with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. This made it the second-hottest June on record and the highest heat-related mortality for the month since 2015.
France's Green party will introduce a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government, citing its inadequate response to a record-breaking heat wave that caused an estimated 1,000 additional deaths.
France's National Public Health Agency reported approximately 1,000 excess deaths since June 24 during a severe heatwave, primarily affecting those aged 65+. The crisis, which saw temperatures above 40C, strained public services and drew criticism from some politicians regarding government preparedness.
France reports 1,000 excess deaths since June 24 due to a record-breaking heat wave, with scientists attributing the event to human-caused climate change. Over 1,300 excess deaths are reported across Europe, with the WHO warning of climate change's role in increasing heat wave frequency.
France reports approximately 1,000 excess deaths since June 24 due to a severe heatwave, mostly affecting those over 65, with the majority of deaths occurring at home, particularly in the Ile-de-France region.
Europe's unprecedented early summer heatwave, exacerbated by climate change, has led to over 1,300 excess deaths since June 21, according to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, with France alone reporting around 1,000 more deaths than expected.
France's public health agency reports 1,000 excess deaths, mostly among those 65+, as an intense heatwave grips Europe, affecting over 191 million people across the continent.
Analysis by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine suggests over 1,300 patients a month in England die due to long A&E waits, a tenfold rise from 2015, highlighting a critical healthcare crisis.
India is grappling with a severe heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures in Banda and other regions. Studies indicate thousands of excess deaths due to extreme heat, highlighting the urgent threat to life and livelihoods. The crisis is exacerbated by ecological degradation, urban heat island effects, and inadequate government response.
