Heatwave continues to ravage Europe, death toll exceeds 1300

European countries are experiencing a severe heatwave, with the death toll exceeding 1,300 so far.
According to foreign media, the worst heatwave is ongoing in European countries, and in several countries, the temperature has exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, making life miserable for citizens.
The World Health Organization says that since June 21, more than 1,300 additional deaths have been recorded in Europe. In total, approximately 381 million Europeans have faced temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. Temperature records have been broken in several countries.
In France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium, the temperature has exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, disrupting the healthcare and transportation systems, while in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, the temperature has risen above 35 degrees Celsius in almost all areas. Additionally, severe heat is being experienced in Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Austria, and western Ukraine.
In France, a large number of people are turning to rivers, canals, and swimming pools to escape the heat, resulting in 74 deaths from drowning. Meanwhile, in the eastern German city of Leipzig, the tram service has been affected due to the heatwave. Authorities say the high temperature has melted the asphalt on roads, and tram tracks and joints have been damaged at several locations, prompting the suspension of the tram service until Monday morning.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement on social media that most homes, offices, and educational institutions in Europe were not designed to withstand such high temperatures, exacerbating the effects of the heat.
He added that "at this time, 15 million people are facing a severe heatwave, hundreds of deaths have occurred, schools are closed, and the power grid is under pressure."
According to France's national health agency, approximately 1,000 more deaths have been recorded since June 24 than expected, and there are fears that the number could rise further. The majority of the deceased are people aged 65 or older. However, Health Minister Stephanie Rist said that due to better preparations, particularly in care centers for the elderly, France may avoid a disaster like the one in 2003.
It is worth noting that in 2003, a devastating heatwave in Europe killed approximately 15,000 people, prompting French authorities to fear an increase in deaths.
Meanwhile, health experts have advised elderly individuals, children, and citizens with chronic diseases to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun and to drink plenty of water.