Extreme temperatures have sent countries into dangerous heatwaves and wildfires across Europe. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is urging cities and communities to prepare to avoid a further disaster.
Since May, Europe has been among the world’s fastest-growing “heatwave hotspots” and forecasts show no signs of the heat ending. Many parts of Western Europe are experiencing extreme temperatures and countries such as Portugal are battling raging fires, affecting thousands of people.
“With the climate crisis, this heat is part of our ‘new normal.’ says Maarten Aalst van, director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. “These deadly events are now more frequent and more intense.”
In the past ten years, climate and weather-related disasters have killed more than 400,000 people, affected another 1.7 billion and displaced an average of 25 million people worldwide each year. People most at risk from heat waves include the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with pre-existing health conditions. Heat waves have cascading effects on other areas of society, such as reduced economic output, strained health systems and power outages.
Staff and volunteers from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across Europe are supporting communities preparing for and affected by heatwaves. At the same time, teams are responding to devastating fires, especially in Portugal, but also in Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Turkey, caused by extreme heat.
“Many had to evacuate their homes with what little they could carry,” says Ana Jorge, president of the Portuguese Red Cross. “Our medical teams are focused on getting people to safety, providing critical health care to those suffering from burns and other injuries, and getting them a bed to sleep and supplies as they take steps to their next.”
With heat waves becoming more likely around the world as the climate crisis worsens, more preparedness and early warning systems are required to reduce and manage risks.
“People are not always aware of the dangers of heat. But when communities understand the dangers and take simple steps to prepare for it, they can prevent unnecessary tragedies. says van Aalst. “We urge cities and communities to prepare and take the necessary steps to save lives, now and in the long term.”
