In Europe, 150 million people are expected to experience temperatures of 35°C or higher
On August 14, temperatures of 35°C or higher are forecast for about 150 million people in Europe. Another approximately 350 million people—about three-fifths of Europe’s population, excluding Turkey—will face temperatures above 30°C, The Guardian reports, citing an AFP analysis.
Amid the heatwave, several countries are battling large-scale wildfires. In Croatia, near the tourist town of Omis, about 1,000 people were evacuated due to a fire. The number of injured has risen to 36: 14 people have been hospitalized, and seven are in life-threatening condition, Reuters reports. According to the local Red Cross, most of the victims are believed to be tourists; many of them have lost their documents.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković called the fire one of the worst in recent years and stated that there are currently no confirmed fatalities. He thanked the firefighters who are battling the blaze and promised financial support to the affected communities.
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In western Germany, about 1,800 residents were evacuated overnight due to a spreading forest fire. As of this morning, the fire near the town of Hürtgenwald, close to the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, had spread to 300 hectares, up from 25 hectares earlier. Helicopters and military equipment were deployed to fight the fire.
In France, following temperatures of up to 41°C on August 13, more than 500 people were evacuated from the southwestern region of Landes. In Greece, firefighters continue to battle the blaze on the Chalkidiki Peninsula, from which hundreds of tourists have been evacuated.
In Staurbridge, England, in the West Midlands region, a major fire damaged residential buildings. Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill called it one of the most significant incidents the local fire department has ever faced. A child and three firefighters were taken to the hospital.
