Europe's killer heatwave claims nearly 10,000 lives, UN sounds global alarm

As Europe battles a record-breaking and deadly heatwave, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday released updated guidance to help countries prepare for and respond to extreme temperatures, both now and in the years ahead.

Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising at roughly twice the global average. The trend is placing mounting pressure on healthcare systems, social services and communities already grappling with increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves.

Extreme heat an escalating health threat

WHO described extreme heat as an urgent and growing public health emergency, warning that climate change, rapid urbanisation and an ageing population are making heat-related illnesses and deaths more common.

"Our region is the fastest-warming region globally. In the past four years alone, heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives, while heat-related mortality has risen by 30 per cent over the past 20 years," said Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

He stressed that many of these deaths can be prevented.

"Heat deaths are not inevitable because we know how to protect people: warn communities early, make cities cooler, ensure access to water and shade, check on those most at risk and prepare health systems before temperatures peak," Kluge said.

Hospitals under pressure

The updated WHO guidance aims to strengthen Heat–Health Action Plans (HHAPs), which link weather forecasts and heat alerts with public health measures such as targeted outreach to vulnerable populations, cooling centres, hospital surge planning and public awareness campaigns.

WHO also highlighted the urgent need to make health facilities more resilient to rising temperatures.

Heatwaves can overwhelm hospitals that were not designed to operate under prolonged extreme heat, particularly as patient admissions increase during such events.

The challenge is especially acute in urban areas, where dense infrastructure traps heat, creating the "urban heat island" effect that keeps cities significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas.

Hospital buildings themselves can overheat, leading to failures in power supplies, cooling systems, computer networks and other critical infrastructure. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can also place additional physical and mental stress on healthcare workers and patients.

Romania adapts hospital infrastructure

Romania's Buhuși Hospital has introduced measures to better manage extreme heat.

The hospital has created a dedicated cooling area for patients suffering from heatstroke, offering cool drinking water and medical staff trained to recognise the early symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Authorities have also applied for funding to install a high-efficiency cooling system across the entire hospital.

UK's heat action plan

The United Kingdom has also strengthened its response through its Adverse Weather and Health Plan.

The plan uses a colour-coded alert system developed in partnership with the national Met Office, with each alert level triggering specific actions for health services, local authorities, community organisations and the public.

In May, authorities issued amber heat alerts ahead of temperatures reaching a record 35.1 degrees Celsius. The following month, red alerts were issued as temperatures in parts of the country climbed to an unprecedented 37.7°C.

Updated WHO guidance

WHO first introduced comprehensive guidance on Heat–Health Action Plans in 2008.

The updated framework outlines eight core pillars for national and local authorities: governance, heat warning systems, protection of vulnerable populations, risk communication, health system resilience, reducing heat exposure, surveillance, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.

The guidance also includes five practical action briefs for key sectors and a public health message bank offering advice on how individuals and communities can protect themselves and others during periods of extreme heat.