Climate threat Extreme weather in Europe

Heat wave in Europe may be linked to thousands of deaths

More than 10,000 more people than usual died in Europe during the heat wave that hit the continent in late June, Reuters reports, citing official statistics.

The data is taken from 27 European countries and includes all deaths in excess of the expected number during the period 22-28 June.

– It is unusual to see such excess mortality at this time of year. It is very high and it is difficult to explain it with anything other than the extreme heat, says Danish Chief Medical Officer Lasse Vestergaard to the news agency.

Extreme heat can, among other things, cause heatstroke, which can worsen cardiovascular diseases. A large majority of the deaths were people over 65 years old.

The giant fire in Spain under control: “Pure devastation”

Hundreds of residents who were evacuated due to the large forest fire in southern Spain have started to return home. This is stated by the country's authorities, writes El Mundo.

According to AFP, the rescue services have managed to stabilize the fire, which broke out on Thursday in the province of Almeria. 13 people have died and an area of ​​around 7,000 hectares has been destroyed.

– It is just pure devastation, complete devastation, says 60-year-old Briton James Shellingford in the village of Bédar where several of the dead were found.

Jane, who is also from the UK, tells El Mundo how she tried to escape the flames. She criticizes the authorities' evacuation information, which she believes was too scant.

– We didn't know which way to take and suddenly we were in front of the flames.

Large forest fire near Paris – motorway partially closed

A large forest fire is raging in the Fontainebleau forest, about sixty kilometers southeast of Paris, reports AFP. The fire has so far spread over 800 hectares and forced evacuations in the village of Vaudoue and partially closed the A6 motorway. Rail traffic is also affected.

Around 400 firefighters are fighting the flames with the support of two firefighting helicopters and an observation aircraft.

– The goal is to save lives and property, says Eric Brocardi of the French Fire Federation.

France is experiencing its third heat wave since May, which increases the risk of fires. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez says that 17,000 hectares have already burned this year, twice as much as at the same time last year.

Firefighting aircraft from southern France sent to Paris area

The forest fire raging in the Fontainebleau forest about sixty kilometers outside Paris has spread over 800 hectares. Therefore, firefighting aircraft have been sent from southern France to help put out the fire.

According to Eric Brocardi, spokesman for the French firefighters' association, this is the first time that planes have been sent from the dry and hot areas of the south of the country to put out fires in the usually cooler Paris.

- The goal is to save lives and property, he says.

Around 400 firefighters are working to put out the fire.

According to local authorities, it will take several days, or even weeks, to completely contain the fire.

Around 900 households have been evacuated, but so far no homes or people have been injured in the fire