Today's News

Heat waves have hit many countries earlier than usual, causing confusion there.

As the mercury has now risen to record levels, experts voice their concern that the highest record in history might be set.

In particular, European countries are suffering from extreme heat.

June 23 was recorded as the hottest day in France since meteorological observation started in 1947. The French weather bureau announced that the mean temperature of the country on the day was 29.8oC, which is higher than 29.4oC recorded on July 25 2019 and August 5 2003.

The temperature soared to 40oCin many parts of France and 43oC in some areas.

The power supply was cut off in some parts due to high temperature and such tourist attractions as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre have shortened their opening hours owing to swelter.

More than 1 800 schools have closed down and 8 000-odd schools shortened school hours across the country and tragically, 40 of the citizens who had jumped into the water unable to bear the heat were drowned.

The French government issued a red alert, the highest of four alerts indicative of heat wave risk, to 54 counties across the country.

The French meteorologists warned that the tragedy of nearly 15 000 persons dying across the country in 2003 might occur again.

The UK also issued a red alert to the central and southern parts of England including London. This is the second time since such an alert was issued in mid-July 2022 for the first time in history. Hundreds of schools shortened school hours or were closed and train services were cancelled on several routes.

The authorities advised residents to travel only if necessary.

The situations are the same in other European countries.

The Italian ministry of public health has recently issued a red alert to Rome, Milan and other cities and Spain, Poland, Croatia and Hungary are also suffering from sultry weather.

Great damage is expected to befall the agricultural sector due to extreme heat and tourism is sustaining severe damage.

Shortly ago, the European regional office of the World Health Organization made public renewed guidelines for a health action plan related to heat wave.

According to them, extreme heat is one of the causes of the annual worldwide increase of early deaths in number.

In particular, cardiovascular diseases are occurring more often or worsening among the people due to the effect of heat wave.

Europe has witnessed over 200 000 deaths from heat wave over the past four years as it is becoming hot faster than any other continents.

Deaths continue to occur in Italy, Spain, Germany and Greece. Especially, Greece has reached the peak level in the number of deaths per million of the population.

Last year, about 2 500 deaths caused by heat wave were registered in Germany. Most of them were reportedly the aged and patients with basic diseases.

The director for Europe of the WHO said heat wave is a silent killer, but it is not unavoidable, adding that the renewed guidelines present a clear road map for the authorities of relevant countries to establish a system against heat wave to save lives.

Experts warn that repeated swelter will occur more often, longer and more powerfully in the future, as a clear sign of climate change caused by human activities.