Europe battles deadly heatwave, eight dead

Europe is currently in the grip of a severe heatwave that has claimed at least eight lives across Spain, France, and Italy, prompting emergency declarations in several regions.

In Spain, wildfires in Catalonia led to two fatalities, while additional deaths were reported in Córdoba and Extremadura.

France also confirmed two heat-related deaths, with over 300 people hospitalized due to extreme temperatures.

Italy has issued red alerts in 18 cities, and authorities have reported the deaths of two elderly individuals due to heatstroke.

Read more: Firefighters battle wildfires in Turkiye and France amid early summer heatwave in Europe

In Switzerland, soaring river temperatures forced the shutdown of one nuclear reactor and reduced output at another.

Thousands have been affected by wildfires in Türkiye and Spain, while authorities in Italy, France, and Germany have warned of incoming severe storms as the heatwave persists.

According to the United Nations and climate experts, the ongoing crisis is a direct consequence of climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel consumption, and deforestation.