BRUSSELS: Nearly 10,000 people died across Europe during an intense heatwave in June, with older adults accounting for the vast majority of fatalities, according to European authorities.
Officials said around 9,000 of the victims were aged 65 or older, highlighting the disproportionate impact of extreme temperatures on elderly populations.
These statistics were taken from 27 European nations. The number of deaths in England and Wales stood at about 2,700, whereas 2,000 deaths were reported in France and Spain.
Health experts noted that due to climate change, the period and intensity of heat waves had increased across Europe, posing health hazards for the elderly population and others.
Moreover, the civil protection officials in Catalonia have warned that a new heat wave is likely to hit the region and will remain for at least until Wednesday. According to the experts, the heat wave will come along with Saharan dust.
The Pyrenees area of Lleida will experience the peak of the heat wave, and after that it will spread to the western area. The heat wave is expected to peak on 15th July. The coastal and southern pre-littoral areas will witness the warm nighttime.
