Spain Records More Than 1,000 Excess Deaths in June Heatwave
Spain has attributed 1,028 excess deaths to a blistering heatwave that hit Europe last week, France 24 reports — a figure more than double the number of heat-related deaths recorded the previous year.
Spain has attributed 1,028 excess deaths to an intense heatwave that gripped much of Europe last week, according to France 24. The figure is more than double the number of heat-related deaths recorded during the same period a year earlier.
The concept of "excess deaths" refers to mortality above the level normally expected in a given period, and is used to measure the impact of heat events on human health. Officials stressed that older people and those with chronic illnesses were particularly at risk.
As temperature records fell across Europe, experts warned about the frequency and severity of extreme heat episodes. Spain and neighbouring countries stepped up public-health measures. Authorities urged people to stay cool and to check on vulnerable groups during periods of high temperatures.
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