Europe Faces Record Heatwave as France Reports 1,000 Deaths and Eastern Europe Braces for Extreme Temperatures

Europe is currently enduring a severe heatwave, with the epicenter shifting to Eastern and Central Europe after heavy impacts in the West. France has reported approximately 1,000 excess deaths since Wednesday due to the extreme heat, with most victims aged 65 and older, though younger people have also been affected. The French National Health Agency emphasized the need for solidarity with isolated and vulnerable populations, especially in dense urban areas.

In the past 24 hours, around 190 million Europeans experienced temperatures of at least 41 degrees Celsius in Berlin. Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia are preparing for unprecedented temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, levels not seen in decades. The Czech Republic broke its all-time temperature record yesterday with 40.6 degrees Celsius, and further increases are expected. Authorities in Poland issued emergency warnings advising residents to avoid sun exposure and strenuous activity, while Berlin police used water cannons to help citizens cope with the heat.

Slovakia anticipates three consecutive days above 40 degrees Celsius and fears breaking its national record from 2007. Emergency physician and parliament member Philippe Juvin warned that the death toll could rise as some victims may still be undiscovered. Green Party leader Marine Tondelier called for urgent political action on the climate crisis and transparency regarding the high death toll.

The ongoing heatwave highlights the urgent need for public health measures and climate policies to mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures across Europe.