More than 1,300 excess deaths linked to record-breaking Europe heatwave, WHO says

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Europe has recorded more than 1,300 excess deaths since June 21 as a result of the record-breaking heatwave.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that right now around 150 million people in Europe are living under extreme heat and that “hundreds have died.” He described heat stress as a “silent killer,” noting that many homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures.

In related updates, the heatwave has also been linked to major public health impacts in countries including France, where officials reported a sharp rise in deaths compared with previous periods as the hottest days hit. WHO said it is working with member states and partners to reduce the health risks, focusing on preparedness, prevention, and stronger health-system responses, including implementation of heat-health action plans.