"Hundreds have died, schools are closed, power grids are collapsing. More than 1,300 deaths above normal have been recorded since June 21 linked to the high temperatures in Europe," writes WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on X.
He points out that Europe is the continent in the world that is warming the fastest and that "we have been warned":
"Heat-related ill health is often called the 'silent killer' - and European homes, workplaces and schools are not built for these kinds of temperatures."
Earlier on Sunday, French authorities noted that France has recorded 1,000 more deaths than normal since June 24. Most deaths have occurred among people over 65 years of age and who live alone.
