Extreme Heat Claims 175,000 Lives Annually in Europe, WHO Reports

The mortality rate associated with heat has increased by 30% over the past 20 years across 53 countries in Europe, with the annual death toll exceeding 175,000. This was announced by Hans Kluge, the Director of the World Health Organization's (WHO) European regional office.

It was noted that from 2000 to 2019, more than 175,000 people have died annually due to heat in the 53 countries of the region. Globally, this figure has reached approximately 489,000, with Europe accounting for 36% of it. The numbers are rising in nearly all countries in the region where monitoring is conducted.

The region's air temperatures are increasing at nearly double the global average rate. Since 2020, the three hottest years on record have occurred, and the ten hottest years have been recorded since 2007.

Kluge reminds that “extreme high temperatures exacerbate chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as diabetes-related conditions.” The regional director of WHO advises at-risk groups to keep their homes cool, stay in the shade when outdoors, avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day, and maintain fluid balance by avoiding sweet, alcoholic, or caffeinated beverages.