A recent heatwave in Sardinia has led to tragic consequences, with a 75-year-old man losing his life after becoming ill on a beach in Budoni. Another man, aged 60, also fell sick while at the beach of Lu Impostu in San Teodoro. These incidents highlight the severe impact of soaring temperatures, which have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in the region.
In the Italian province of Vicenza, two construction workers were rushed to the hospital after suffering from heat-related illnesses while working in a hole. Reports indicate that one of the workers is currently in a coma, underscoring the dangers of extreme heat, especially for those in physically demanding jobs.
Meanwhile, Greece is facing its own challenges with wildfires. Two significant blazes have prompted emergency evacuations in several regions, including Attica, Crete, and parts of the Peloponnese and Aegean islands. In Halkidiki, a fast-moving fire near the coastal village of Vourvourou has forced residents and campers to flee, with 65 firefighters and aerial units battling the flames in difficult terrain. Power cuts have also been reported in the area.
In Crete, another wildfire near Ierapetra has triggered emergency alerts, leading to the evacuation of homes and hotels in Achlia, Ferma, Agia Fotia, and Galini. Strong winds have pushed this fire dangerously close to tourist accommodations, prompting a rapid response from helicopters and fire crews.
Experts are raising alarms about the connection between heat and health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Dimple Rana, a heat and microclimate specialist, pointed out that older adults and young children are at higher risk during heatwaves. Additionally, those in lower-income jobs often face greater exposure to extreme temperatures due to their work conditions.
The increasing frequency of heatwaves is a growing concern, with the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stating that human-caused climate change is making extreme heat events more common and intense. The World Meteorological Organization echoed this sentiment, noting that urban areas are particularly affected due to the urban heat island effect, where cities become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas.
As these extreme weather events unfold, it is clear that communities need to be prepared for the health risks associated with high temperatures and the potential for wildfires. The situation remains critical as authorities work to manage the ongoing challenges posed by this heatwave and its consequences.