WHO warns of further heatwaves in Europe after record-breaking June temperatures

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe may face additional heatwaves following a severe event between June 20 and June 28. Regional Director Hans Kluge held an urgent meeting with representatives from 41 countries and the European Commission to coordinate preparations. Temperatures in Portugal and southern Spain are expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius in the coming days. The June heatwave caused energy production disruptions, infrastructure damage, and overwhelmed healthcare systems. Official data recorded 3,700 excess deaths in France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, with authorities noting these figures remain preliminary. Kluge stated that countries with specific heat-health action plans responded more effectively than those without. Currently, less than half of the WHO European member states have implemented such specialized measures. Scientists attribute these extreme conditions to climate change.