Europe Unprepared for Heatwave: WHO Warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Europe is not adequately prepared for the new heatwave. According to the organization, many countries lack emergency action plans for extreme heat, prompting a warning of a potentially 'deadly heatwave'.The health systems in the European Region are not prepared for the increased pressure that comes with rising temperatures, and there is a risk of repeating the loss of life seen in previous weeks.This week, temperatures in southern Portugal and Spain are expected to reach 43 degrees, while France and the Benelux countries are also preparing for the new heatwave. WHO European Regional Director Hans Kluge stated that less than half of the countries in the European Region have a national 'Heat-Health Action Plan' to address the health risks associated with extreme heat.Kluge emphasized that these plans should include not only weather forecasts but also early warning systems, protection of vulnerable groups, and coordination between health, social services, and local authorities. According to WHO data, more than 4,000 excess deaths occurred in Western Europe in June due to the extreme heat.