Italy swelters, Hungary and Romania cut power as Europe's heatwave intensifies

Italy placed all of its major cities under the highest-level heat warning on Thursday as an intense heatwave swept across much of Europe. At the same time, Hungary turned off lighting in government buildings to reduce energy consumption.

Europe, the fastest-warming continent in the world, has experienced unprecedented temperatures and widespread wildfires this summer. Countries such as France and Spain have been among the hardest hit in recent weeks.

The European Union plans to encourage member states to invest more in wildfire prevention, according to the bloc's environment commissioner in an interview with Reuters. Experts estimate that the economic damage caused by this summer's fires has already surpassed 15 billion euros (approximately $17.3 billion).

Bulgaria also faced severe wildfires, becoming the latest EU nation affected. According to the NOVA news portal, the country's main Trakia Highway was shut down in both directions on Thursday after strong winds spread flames from a large wildfire located about 70 kilometers southeast of Sofia.

Meanwhile, Italy issued its highest red-level heat alert across the country, from Palermo in Sicily to Bolzano in the northern Alps. The Health Ministry warned that the prolonged extreme temperatures posed a significant health threat to everyone, not just vulnerable groups.

In Assisi, pilgrims attending a religious event were sprayed with water to stay cool as Pope Leo visited to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis. In Rome, tourists sought relief from the scorching heat by using umbrellas for shade and cooling their hands in the city's fountains.