Deadly Heat Wave Sweeps Europe, Raising Concerns for Health and Tourism
A blistering and deadly heat wave is currently sweeping across Europe, bringing with it potentially record-breaking temperatures and serious concerns about the impacts on people’s health. This comes at a time when the continent is experiencing an influx of tourists.
Parts of Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, and Italy are all facing intense heat, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). The European Space Agency (ESA) has described the current heatwave as an “intense and prolonged period of heat” that has only just begun.
Heat is considered one of the deadliest natural hazards, with more than 61,000 people losing their lives in Europe’s searing summer heatwave last year. The current heatwave, named “Cerberus” by the Italian Meteorological Society after the three-headed monster in Dante’s “Inferno,” has raised further concerns for people’s health, especially as it coincides with one of the busiest periods of Europe’s summer tourist season.
In Italy, temperatures are expected to reach record-breaking levels, with Sardinia and Sicily predicted to come close to the current European temperature record of 48.8 degrees Celsius (nearly 120 Fahrenheit), according to the ESA. The Italian Health Ministry has issued an “extreme” health risk warning for 15 cities, including Rome and Florence, as the heatwave is set to continue over the weekend.
Tragically, the heatwave has already claimed at least one life in Italy. A 44-year-old road construction worker collapsed in the northern city of Lodi and died in the hospital on Tuesday. In Rome, several tourists have also collapsed this week due to heat stroke, including one British tourist who fainted in front of the ancient Roman Colosseum.
Alessandro Miani, president of the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), stated that Italy “has the sad record of the European country with the highest number of deaths caused by heatwaves.”
In Greece, authorities have warned that temperatures could reach 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 Fahrenheit) on Friday or Saturday. As a precaution, the Greek Culture Ministry has decided to close the Acropolis in Athens from midday until 5 p.m. on Friday. Police and emergency services have already provided assistance to a female tourist who experienced difficulties due to the heat at the Acropolis.
In Croatia, a large wildfire broke out near Grebastica, a small town near the coastal city of Sbenik. Dozens of firefighters, along with firefighting planes and air tractors, have been deployed to extinguish the blaze. The area around Grebastica has been left without electricity, and clouds of smoke can be seen from nearby tourist beaches.
Temperatures are expected to remain around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) across the region into next week. Heat is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it cannot be seen but can quickly turn deadly. The very young, the elderly, and those who spend long periods of time outside, such as outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness, are particularly vulnerable.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious health risks during extreme heatwaves. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and a body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). If untreated, heat stroke can cause organ damage or even death.
Experts recommend staying indoors and avoiding exercise during the hottest parts of the day, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. When outside, it is important to stay in the shade and wear light, loose-fitting clothes, a hat, and sunscreen. Drinking plenty of water, even if not feeling thirsty, is crucial, while alcohol and caffeinated drinks should be avoided.
It is also essential to watch out for others during heatwaves. Judith Linden, a professor in the emergency medicine department at Boston University’s school of medicine, advises acting immediately if someone starts feeling light-headed, dizzy, nauseous, or experiences a headache. Getting them out of the heat and into a cool environment is crucial for their well-being.
As Europe continues to battle this deadly heatwave, it is important for individuals to take necessary precautions to protect their health and for communities to support and assist those
