NewzVille Desk
More than two-thirds of Europe’s population, around 410 million people, experienced temperatures above 35°C at least once during a June 15 to 30 heatwave.
Earlier such extreme conditions had been experienced during 16-day heatwave in August 2003, when around 320 million people across Europe were exposed to similar temperatures.
Health authorities in Belgium reported 39% more deaths than normal between June 18 and 29 during the recent heatwave, with 1,222 excess deaths recorded. Nearly half of the victims were aged 85 or older.
Meanwhile in Portugal, a forest fire in the northern district of Viseu has injured four people as the country faces a third consecutive day of intense heat. More than 900 firefighters have been deployed to contain the blaze that began on Wednesday in Vouzela.
Temperatures in some areas are expected to reach 44°C, and the government has imposed emergency measures, including restricting access to forests and limiting the use of machinery in rural zones.
