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WHO links deaths to heat
The World Health Organization said more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 linked to high temperatures, with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warning that “Right now 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling.”
“"Right now 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling"”
In France, the country’s public health agency reported 1,000 excess deaths as an intense heatwave continued, saying most fatalities involved older people and that it expected the mortality rate to rise as more information was released about deaths in homes and residential care.
The BBC reported that on Sunday morning France’s national health ministry said there had been around 1,000 more deaths than expected in the country since Wednesday, with many of the extra fatalities among those aged 65 over after logging a 40% rise in the number of people dying at home.
In Germany, the BBC said 41.7C was recorded in the east of the country on Sunday, after temperatures reached or exceeded 40C in many places for several days.
The WHO also warned that heat stress is often called the “silent killer,” and said European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures.
France, Germany, and warnings
France’s public health agency said most of the deaths involved people aged 65 and older, and it expected the mortality rate to rise as more information was released about deaths in homes and residential care, according to Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera also quoted French Health Minister Stephanie Rist telling BFM that “The episode is not finished,” and said the impact of the heatwave could linger for up to 10 days.
The BBC reported that Germany experienced its hottest-ever day for the third consecutive day after 41.7C was recorded in the east of the country, and it said a station in Coschen, near the Polish border in eastern Brandenburg, recorded 41.7C at around 16:00 local time.
The BBC added that the Czech Republic set its second temperature record in two days with 41.1C at Doksany north of Prague, and said CHMI expected the heat to peak on Sunday with storms forecast for western areas later.
In the same BBC account, Tedros called on European countries to “implement heat health action plans,” as part of a push to safeguard health in the face of climate change.
WHO guidance and preparedness
The WHO said it was working with its members and partners to address the health threats posed by extreme heat through focusing on preparedness, prevention and stronger health system responses, while also publishing practical tips for keeping cool during extreme heat.
“"implement heat health action plans"”
In its guidance, the WHO recommended avoiding outdoor activity during the hottest time of day, staying in the shade, and spending two to three hours daily in a cool place, and it advised using night air to cool down homes after dark.
The guidance also warned that electric fans should only be used when temperatures are below 40 degrees Celsius, and said that in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, fans will heat the body.
For air conditioning, the WHO recommended setting the thermostat to 27 degrees Celsius and turning on an electric fan, which it said would make the room feel 4 degrees Celsius cooler and can save up to 70 percent on electricity bills for cooling.
The WHO further urged people to check in regularly with vulnerable people, especially those over 65 and those with heart, lung or kidney conditions, disabilities, or living alone, and it warned people never to leave children or animals in parked vehicles.