The World Health Organization said on Sunday that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded in Europe since 21 June, linked to a record-breaking heatwave affecting much of the continent.
Tens of millions of people across Europe have endured extreme temperatures over the weekend as the heatwave moved eastwards, with several countries reporting rising death figures and health services under pressure.
French health authorities reported on Sunday morning that around 1,000 more deaths than expected had been recorded in the country since Wednesday.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X that more than 1,300 excess deaths across Europe had been linked to high temperatures since 21 June.
He termed heat stress as a “silent killer” and noted that many homes, workplaces and schools in Europe were not designed for such conditions.
Forecasts suggested that at least 191 million people in Europe would face temperatures of 35C or higher on Sunday, with the most severe heat in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.
Analysis based on meteorological forecasts and population data indicated that 381 million people in Europe, excluding Turkey, would experience temperatures above 30C.
Tedros warned that millions were living under extreme heat conditions, with reports of deaths, school closures and strain on power grids.
He added that climate change was driving more frequent and intense heatwaves, stating that Europe was the fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average.
The WHO said it was working with member states and partners to address health risks linked to extreme heat through preparedness, prevention and stronger health systems.
It also urged European countries to implement heat-health action plans to protect populations from future heat extremes.
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