The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported on X (formerly Twitter) on June 28 that a heatwave in Europe has claimed more than 1,300 lives since June 21.

According to WHO data, Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world, with temperatures rising at twice the global average rate. Currently, about 150 million people are living in extreme heat conditions.

The organization notes that heat stress is often called a 'silent killer.' The main cause of high mortality is the unpreparedness of infrastructure: residential buildings, workplaces, and schools are not designed for such prolonged periods of extreme high temperatures.

The epicenter of the heat is gradually shifting eastward. While temperature records were previously recorded in Spain, France, and the UK, the dangerous heat is now affecting Germany and the Czech Republic.

The WHO reminded that heatwaves, once considered 'once-in-a-generation' events, are now occurring almost annually due to climate change. The organization urges European countries to implement heat protection plans, strengthen healthcare systems, and enhance preparedness for extreme weather events.

Source: kun.uz