Our foreign desk
Germany is in mourning after announcing that more than 14,000 people have lost their lives due to extreme heat since the beginning of this year. This is the highest number of heat-related deaths ever recorded in the country. The German Public Health Agency released the information, stating that the situation has exceeded anything seen before. BBC
According to the BBC correspondent, more than 70% of these deaths occurred within just one week at the end of June. That was when temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius in most cities across the country. Experts say that the prolonged days of intense heat without cool nights at all is what put many people at risk.
This figure surpasses the one recorded twelve years ago. In that year, about 9,500 deaths were linked to heat. Health experts say the increase now shows how climate change is getting worse, and its impact is becoming more severe in Europe.
The report shows that most of those who died were people aged 75 and above. The reason is that elderly bodies cannot regulate body temperature quickly, especially those with heart, lung, and high blood pressure conditions. Many of them also live alone without adequate air conditioning in their homes.
The country’s Public Health Agency said most of the deaths could have been avoided if urgent steps were taken. It urged state authorities to open more cooling centers, and to check on the elderly and sick people during heat periods. It also said building designs should be reviewed to make them more heat-resistant.
Doctors at various hospitals said they saw an increase in patients coming in with symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Some hospitals became full, especially in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt where the heat was most severe. Health workers said the workload was very heavy during the week when the heat peaked.
The German government has warned that heat like this could become normal in the coming years. The Environment Minister said the country must invest more in reducing carbon emissions and in protecting vulnerable people. He said urban planning will need more trees and green spaces to reduce the urban heat effect.
Many members of the public said they had never experienced heat like this before. Some said they spent days sleeping on the floor because of the heat, while others stopped going out during the day. Stores selling fans and air conditioners saw a surge in buyers, but the prices were too high for many people.
Experts predict that if climate change is not addressed, heat-related deaths will continue to rise. The health agency said it will keep monitoring and releasing new data every month. For now, Germans are being urged to drink plenty of water, avoid going out in the middle of the day, and check on one another, especially the elderly and children. BBC
About The Author
