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New heat wave/ WHO warns Europe: This could be the "deadliest week"

2026-07-07 14:20:00, Aktualitet CNA

New heat wave/ WHO warns Europe: This could be the "deadliest week"

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe could face its "deadliest week" as a new intense heat wave is forming over the Atlantic.

Temperatures in Portugal and southern Spain are expected to reach up to 43 degrees Celsius over the coming days, raising concerns about the impact on public health.

WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, held an emergency meeting on Monday with representatives of 41 countries in the region, the European Commission and civil society organizations to analyze the lessons learned from the last heat wave and coordinate measures to cope with what is expected to come.

In a statement, Kluge stressed that countries that had drawn up action plans to protect health during extreme temperatures reacted faster and managed to better protect citizens during the heat wave at the end of June.

Climate experts have described the period from June 20 to 28 as the worst heatwave ever recorded in Europe. It caused power outages, damaged infrastructure and overwhelmed healthcare systems in several countries.

Scientists estimate that this extreme heat wave is almost certainly a consequence of climate change.

According to preliminary data, France, the Netherlands and Belgium have recorded around 3,700 additional deaths during the recent heatwave, while authorities warn that the toll could rise as data is updated.

Kluge raised concerns that the most vulnerable groups, such as nursing home residents, homeless people and elderly people living in isolation, are still not receiving the necessary support in a sustainable manner across Europe.

"The work now takes place on two fronts: to correct the shortcomings identified in recent weeks before the next heat wave hits, and to build health systems that are not only responsive to extreme heat, but are prepared for the future," said Hans Kluge./ CNA





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