An unrelenting heatwave continued to scorch Europe on Wednesday, claiming eight lives and sparking health emergencies, wildfires, and energy disruptions across several countries.

In Spain, four people died as temperatures soared, including two fatalities from a wildfire in the Catalonia region on Tuesday. The blaze, which swept through an area spanning 40 kilometres, destroyed multiple farms before being brought under control. Additional heat-related deaths were reported in Extremadura and Cordoba.

France also reported two deaths linked to the extreme heat, according to the country’s energy minister, with an estimated 300 people hospitalised. Weather authorities issued red alerts for several central regions, warning of ongoing danger. Catherine Vautrin, France’s health and families minister, urged continued vigilance, especially for vulnerable groups.

“In the coming days, we’ll see the consequences, particularly on the most vulnerable, and I’m thinking particularly of the elderly,” she said.

In Italy, red alerts were issued for 18 cities, as the country grappled with sweltering temperatures. Two elderly men died on the beach in Sardinia due to heat-related complications, according to local news agency ANSA.

Germany also faced soaring temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of up to 40 degrees Celsius, marking the hottest day of the year.

In Switzerland, the high temperatures forced the temporary shutdown of a nuclear reactor at a power plant as a precautionary measure.

Elsewhere, Turkey reported that its recent wave of wildfires—which had led to the evacuation of about 50,000 people—was largely contained, though the nation remained on high alert.

The unprecedented early summer heatwave has raised alarm across the continent, with officials warning that climate-related extremes are becoming more frequent and more severe.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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