The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings regarding potential health risks across Europe due to the formation of another intense heatwave over the Atlantic. Temperatures in regions such as Portugal and southern Spain are forecast to reach up to 43 degrees Celsius in the coming days. In response to the escalating weather patterns, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, convened an emergency call.
Attendees included representatives from 41 nations across the region, the European Commission, and various civil society organizations. The meeting focused on reviewing lessons learned from previous heatwaves and coordinating preparations for the anticipated extreme heat event. During a declaration, Kluge emphasized that nations possessing established action plans responded more swiftly and provided superior protection to their populations during the recent period of extreme heat.
He pointed out, however, that fewer than half of the WHO’s member states within Europe currently have such comprehensive plans in place. The WHO’s advisory highlights the critical need for preparedness across the continent. The confluence of rising temperatures and the need for coordinated public health responses underscores the ongoing vulnerability of Europe to climate-related health emergencies.
Authorities are urged to review and implement robust strategies to mitigate potential impacts from future heatwaves.
Topics: #who #europe #heatwave
