WHO warns Europe unprepared for deadly heatwaves

• The WHO warns Europe must be better prepared for further deadly weeks of extreme heat.
• Less than half of European countries have national Heat-health Action Plans.
• Portugal and southern Spain are forecast to reach 43°C this week.
• Preliminary data indicates over 4,000 additional deaths in Western Europe during the June heatwave.
• WHO convened an emergency call with 41 European countries to analyze lessons learned from the previous heatwave.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning that Europe is not adequately prepared for the escalating threat of extreme heat, with a new heatwave already building over the Atlantic. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stated that fewer than half of the countries in the European Region have established national Heat-health Action Plans, which are crucial for managing heat-related risks.

Portugal and southern Spain are bracing for temperatures to reach 43°C this week, while France and the Benelux region are also anticipating another surge. Parts of Central Asia are experiencing temperatures around 40°C.

Preliminary data from Western Europe suggests that over 4,000 additional deaths occurred during the June heatwave, straining health systems. Kluge emphasized that having clear plans in place before a heatwave hits can be the life-saving difference between a managed and a reactive response. He convened an emergency call with representatives from 41 European countries, the European Commission, and civil society groups to analyze lessons learned from recent extreme heat events. Kluge highlighted successful initiatives in Italy, Spain, and Austria as replicable examples.