Europe heatwave kills nearly 10,000 people in June

A severe heatwave swept across Europe in June, claiming nearly 10,000 lives, according to officials who warned that vulnerable groups faced the greatest risks from rising temperatures.

Authorities said around 9,000 victims were aged 65 years or above, highlighting the severe impact of extreme heat on older people. Officials compiled the figures from 27 European countries, with around 2,700 deaths reported in England and Wales alone. France and Spain recorded more than 2,000 heat-related deaths combined.

Experts said climate change is making heatwaves across Europe longer and more intense, increasing health risks for elderly people and other vulnerable communities. In Spain, civil protection authorities issued an alert in Catalonia as the region experienced its third heatwave of the season.

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Officials said the hot weather is expected to continue until at least Wednesday, with Saharan dust also affecting parts of the region. The highest temperatures are expected in the Lleida Pyrenees area before reaching their peak on Wednesday, July 15. The worst conditions on Monday and Tuesday are expected in Ponent, while coastal and southern Prelitoral areas may also experience unusually warm nights.

Fire brigades have placed additional staff, stations and control rooms on alert due to the increasing risk of wildfires. Authorities have urged residents to stay in cooler places, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and take precautionary measures to protect themselves from extreme heat.