A deadly heatwave in Europe claims lives in Spain, Italy, and France. Fires, heatstroke, and power outages plague the continent as temperatures soar.
A scorching heatwave has gripped Europe, leading to tragic consequences in Spain, Italy, and France. The extreme temperatures are causing fires, health crises, and infrastructure problems.
In Spain's Catalonia region, two people died as firefighters battled a blaze near Coscó. Catalan authorities confirmed the bodies were found after the fire was extinguished in the Torrefeta area. The victims have been identified as a farm owner and a worker.
France has also experienced fatalities. A 10-year-old American tourist collapsed and died at the Palace of Versailles. Two heat-related deaths were reported, with over 300 individuals requiring treatment from firefighters.
Italy is grappling with the heat as well. In Sardinia, a 75-year-old man died due to the extreme heat, and another man fell ill on a beach. Two construction workers in Tezze sul Brenta were hospitalized after falling ill from the heat while working.
The intense heat has strained infrastructure, leading to power outages in Florence and Bergamo, Italy. Increased air conditioning use has caused underground electrical cables to overheat, leaving homes, hotels, and businesses without power.
The UN's climate agency and experts emphasize that these extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to human-induced climate change. Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.