150 million people living under extreme heat, says WHO chief

The World Health Organization has warned that extreme heat gripping Europe has affected 150 million people and caused more than 1,300 excess deaths since June 21.

“Right now 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday on X.

“Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average,” he added.

Driven by climate change and global warming, the “once-in-a-generation” heat wave is now occurring nearly every year, Tedros said, adding that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since June 21 linked to high temperatures in Europe.

“Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ — and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures,” Tedros warned as he called on European countries to implement action plans.

He said they should focus on preparedness, prevention and stronger health system responses.