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Extreme heat alarm/Europe in crisis, WHO calls for emergency measures

2026-06-30 13:55:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Europe is facing an unprecedented crisis due to heat waves, which are no longer rare anomalies, but persistent and deadly threats.

Across the continent, citizens are finding it difficult to sleep, while emergency rooms are filling up rapidly, putting health systems at risk of collapse. There is a reported boom in emergency medical calls. In some cities in France, calls have increased by about 50%.

Last week, London recorded its highest number of calls for life-threatening cases in a single day, while Spain's mortality monitoring system has estimated over 300 additional climate-related deaths in just a few days, alongside Italy reporting five deaths in 24 hours.

Hospitals are under tremendous pressure not only from the influx of patients, but also from the heat itself, which is causing defects in cooling systems, failure of medical equipment, and exhaustion of healthcare staff.

Europe is warming at more than twice the global average. However, preventive measures are working and can be measured. It is estimated that deaths from heat in 2023 would be about 80% higher if adaptation measures already in place had not been taken. For people aged 80 and over, mortality could have doubled.

In response to this situation, the World Health Organization for Europe launched the second edition of the Roadmap for Action Plans on Health and Heat in Berlin.

WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, highlighted that more than 200,000 people across Europe have died from heat in just the last 4 years, underscoring the need for an institutional response with the clear goal of zero deaths related to high temperatures.

Across Europe, cities and governments are demonstrating what proper preparedness looks like to reduce pressure on emergencies. Barcelona expanded its network of climate shelters to over 500 spaces this summer, including libraries, civic centers, parks and pharmacies. Paris has activated a welfare check register for the elderly and vulnerable residents, while limiting public alcohol sales to facilitate emergency services. Italy has introduced restrictions on outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day in some regions, providing support payments so that workers do not lose their income.

Berlin, according to Senator Dr. Ina Czyborra, has adopted a comprehensive plan with 72 measures , which emphasizes the expansion of green spaces and active communication, an approach also supported by Germany's Federal Environment Minister, Carsten Schneider, who calls heat protection a key social issue. In terms of individual measures, around 60% of hospital admissions after emergency visits during this heatwave have involved people aged 75 and over, cases that are often preventable.

Experts through the WHO's KeepCool campaign advise blocking out the heat by keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day, and opening windows at night when temperatures drop. Staying hydrated by drinking water before you feel thirsty and avoiding sugary drinks, alcohol or caffeine are vital steps.

It is also important to avoid the strong sun during midday and to take care of elderly neighbors and relatives, as a simple phone call costs nothing but could save a life. /CNA