Brussels: A report by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health has revealed that over 47,000 people died in Europe last year due to extreme heatwave. The data, released on Monday, highlights the deadly impact of rising temperatures across the continent in 2023.
Italy and Greece were among the hardest-hit countries, with the highest number of deaths attributed to the heatwave. In Greece, there were 393 deaths per million people, while Bulgaria recorded 229, Italy 209, Spain 175, and Germany 76, according to the report. The study also found that women were more likely to die from heat-related causes than men in most countries.
The report emphasized that improved healthcare, early warning systems, and better communication could significantly reduce the death toll. It warned that without preventive measures, the death rate could increase by up to 80%. The study also recommended staying hydrated as heatwaves can rapidly affect the body and brain.
Meanwhile, the UK experienced its hottest day of the year on the 12th, with temperatures soaring above 33°C in many parts of the country. The highest recorded temperature was 34.8°C (95°F) in Cambridge. In London, temperatures have remained above 30°C for two consecutive days.
Since 1961, daytime temperatures have exceeded 34°C only 11 times, with six of these instances occurring in the past decade. The UK’s highest recorded temperature was 40.3°C, set in July 2022 in Lincolnshire.