An intense heatwave is sweeping Europe, with soaring temperatures claiming lives and prompting urgent government warnings.
In Spain, the blistering heatwave is estimated to have caused 1,029 deaths in June, the highest monthly toll for heat-related deaths since the same month in 2015, according to Spain's Daily Mortality Monitoring System (MoMo).
The figure includes people who died directly from heatstroke as well as those whose existing health conditions were exacerbated to a fatal degree.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) said that last month was the country's second-hottest June on record, with temperatures 3.2 degree Celsius higher than the normal levels on average.
In Portugal, to cope with the upcoming heatwave, authorities on Wednesday issued the highest weather alerts, tightened wildfire prevention and expanded support for vulnerable groups.
Interior Minister Luis Neves warned on Wednesday that temperatures could reach as high as 47 degrees Celsius in the coming days, urging the public to exercise maximum caution and avoid risky behavior, according to Lusa News Agency.
He called for a ban on activities that could ignite fires, including agricultural and open-air burning, barbecues, and the use of machinery capable of generating sparks.
He also warned against discarding cigarette butts and parking vehicles in areas with dry vegetation.
Europe heatwave claims lives, triggers warnings
Europe heatwave claims lives, triggers warnings
