Europe is in the grips of a fierce heatwave with temperatures this week set to break new records — possibly leading to thousands of excess deaths.
An intense heatwave hit Spain, spanning a 10-day period. Last week, the heatwave affected much of Western Europe which pushed temperatures as high as 45 degrees in some regions, causing several wildfires.
Also Read: Could the UK’s heatwave mirror Cape Town’s ‘hottest day on Earth’?
However, South Africans are experiencing a moderate winter with temperatures ranging between 15 and 26 degrees across the country. While people of the United Kingdom (UK) are still sweating through a sweltering heatwave in the Northern Hemisphere.
Furthermore, in Madrid, the Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the 10-day heatwave hitting Spain has already claimed over 500 lives. He added that more than 500 people died due to high temperatures, according to the statistics, referring to a public health institute estimate based on excess mortality rates.
Sanchez cited figures from the Carlos III Health Institute which estimates the number of heat-related deaths based on the number of excess deaths when compared to the average in previous years. The institute has qualified these figures in recent days, stressing that it was a statistical estimate and not a record of official deaths. The premier also pleaded with citizens to exercise extreme caution, stating that climate emergency is a reality.
How can the extreme heat be so deadly?
The most immediate risks are heatstroke and heat exhaustion, which in some cases can be fatal — particularly among older adults and people exercising or working in high temperatures.
When the temperature rises, sweating increases to cool the body down by evaporation. Without rehydration, this can put extra strain on the heart and your blood pressure falls dangerously low — leading to organ failure in extreme cases.
Also Read:
VIDEO: Heavy rains won’t stop one woman from enjoying a good swim
Picture: Unsplash